Dear Reni,
I have a silver platter marked Wilcox, International Silver Company (I) & (S) enclosed in a box, stamped 28/07 22 in. It was left to me by my sister, I have no idea how old it is or if it is worth anything. It needs cleaning but, I am afraid to do anything to it until I found out about it. I can send a picture if needed.
J.S.
The Wilcox Silver Plate Co. has a history dating back to 1865. This company was based in Meriden, Connecticut, and was one of the original firms that helped form the International Silver Company in 1898.
Your 22 inch platter is silver plate. It probably dates between the 1920's and 1940's. The factory shut down in 1941 due to a metal shortage during W.W.II. Some designs by the Wilcox Silver Plate Co. were manufactured in other I.S. Co. factories after the war. In 1961, the company trademark was changed to Webster-Wilcox.
Try cleaning your platter with a gentle silver paste. Gorham and Haggerty make a nice product. If the plating is in good condition, the retail value of this piece would run between $50.00 - $75.00.
Reference: Rainwater & Redfield Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers, Schiffer, 1998 [Order this book from Amazon.com]
Thanks for the question.
Reni
Dear "Ask Reni",
I found a pitcher in some items from my uncle's estate. It appears to be solid silver. On the bottom it says, "International Silver Company", 09C, 32 oz and number 64 in a box. On the side is engraved Roosevelt in a curved design and under it is something I can barely read. It looks like it ends in the letters "ILAN" or 'LLAN". I'm assuming it came from a restaurant or such. Any suggestions on researching my find. Also, there are several numbers engraved on the bottom using what appears to be an electric engraving pen.... 2-67-540, 7-65-3576.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
CL
The International Silver Company was incorporated in 1898. It consisted of many smaller independent firms, who banded together around the manufacturing area of Meriden, Connecticut.
In 1972, the Hotel division became a subsidiary under the name of World Tableware International. This subsidiary was sold in 1983 to two employees and private investors.
The markings you describe do not include an assay mark. I believe your pitcher is a heavy grade of silver plate and not sterling. The "32oz" is probably a volume measurement. The engraved numbers are probably inventory codes.
Some Hotel and Railroad ware is collectible (Roosevelt?). The value of this pitcher may lean in that direction.
Good Luck,
Reni