International Silver Value & Price Guide

The International Silver Company represents a massive consortium of American silver manufacturers that dominated the 20th-century market. From elegant sterling flatware like the Prelude pattern to durable silver-soldered hotel ware, these pieces offer a blend of historical craftsmanship and functional beauty for modern collectors.

History of International Silver

Formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, the International Silver Company was a corporation created by the merger of many independent New England silver manufacturers, including Rogers Bros. and Meriden Britannia Co. This consolidation allowed the company to become the world's largest manufacturer of silverware, producing a vast range of products that spanned from affordable plated trays for the middle class to exquisite sterling services for the elite. Throughout the mid-20th century, the company was a leader in design, capturing the aesthetic shifts from Art Deco to Mid-Century Modernism. While the company eventually diversified and moved away from traditional silver production in the late 20th century, its legacy remains preserved in the millions of pieces still found in homes and collections today.

Value Factors for International Silver

• Metal composition, specifically the distinction between sterling silver and silver-plated base metals.
• The popularity and rarity of specific patterns, such as the highly sought-after Prelude or Joan of Arc lines.
• The presence of original hallmarks or maker's marks that identify the specific subsidiary or era of production.
• Physical condition, including the presence of heavy polishing wear, pitting, or deep scratches in the silver plating.

Tips for Buying International Silver

• Check the underside for hallmarks like 'IS' or 'International Silver Co' to distinguish between sterling silver and silver-plated items.
• Examine silver-soldered pieces from the 1920s-1940s for heavy wear, as these were often used in high-traffic commercial environments like hotels.
• Verify the completeness of flatware sets, as individual replacement pieces for specific patterns can vary significantly in price.
• Look for the 'Sterling' stamp on high-end patterns like Prelude to ensure you are paying for precious metal content rather than silver plate.

Items in This Collection

• International Silver Company Round Tray
• International Silver Company Jewelry Box
• International Silver Company Flatware Set
• International Silver Company Candlestick
• International Silver Company Candlesticks
• International Silver Company Nativity Set
• International Silver Company Silver Soldered Creamer
• International Silver Company Chippendale Tray
• International Silver Company Tray 448
• International Silver Company Coffee Pot
• International Silver Company Napkin Rings