What Determines Value
What makes inherited International Silver valuable
International Silver Company produced an enormous range of silver products over nearly a century of operation. The single most important factor in determining value is whether your pieces are sterling silver or silverplate. This distinction alone can mean the difference between a set worth thousands and one worth under two hundred dollars. Beyond that, the specific pattern, completeness, and condition all play a role.
A brief history
International Silver Company was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, as a consolidation of several smaller silver companies. The merger brought together some of the most established names in American silver manufacturing, including Meriden Britannia Company, Rogers Bros, Wilcox Silver Plate Co., and several others. The goal was to create a single entity large enough to compete in the rapidly growing American silverware market.
At its peak, International Silver was one of the largest silver manufacturers in the world, producing everything from fine sterling flatware to mass-market silverplate. The company operated multiple brands under its umbrella, most notably the 1847 Rogers Bros line of silverplate. The company continued production through most of the 20th century before eventually being acquired and consolidated with other silver manufacturers.
Sterling vs. silverplate — the critical distinction
This is the single most important thing to understand about International Silver Company: they made both sterling silver and silverplate, and the two have vastly different values. Many people inherit International Silver flatware believing it is sterling when it is actually silverplate, or vice versa. Sterling silver is solid silver (92.5% pure), while silverplate is a thin coating of silver over a base metal core.
International Silver's sterling lines were marketed under the "International Sterling" brand name. Their silverplate was sold under various names including "International Silver Co.," "1847 Rogers Bros," and others. The marks on the back of each piece are the definitive way to tell them apart. If it says "International Sterling," it is genuine sterling silver. If it says anything else — "International Silver Co.," "IS," "1847 Rogers Bros," "Wm. Rogers" — it is almost certainly silverplate.
Key sterling patterns
Royal Danish (1939)
Royal Danish is the most popular and sought-after International Sterling pattern. Introduced in 1939, it features an ornate, heavily decorated handle with acanthus leaves and scrollwork. It was produced in large quantities, meaning complete sets are available, but demand remains consistently strong among collectors. Royal Danish sets in good condition with serving pieces are the most valuable International Silver items on the secondary market.
Prelude (1939)
Also introduced in 1939, Prelude features a more restrained, elegant design compared to Royal Danish. It was extremely popular at the time of production and remains collectible today. Complete sets bring strong prices, though generally slightly less than comparable Royal Danish sets.
Joan of Arc
A classic pattern with a clean, timeless design. Joan of Arc sets are sought after by collectors who prefer a less ornate look. Complete sets in this pattern sell well, particularly when accompanied by serving pieces.
Spring Glory and Wild Rose
Both are attractive floral patterns that maintain a steady collector following. Spring Glory features a delicate floral spray, while Wild Rose has a naturalistic rose motif. Complete sets in either pattern bring solid prices, though they are generally less in demand than Royal Danish or Prelude.
1847 Rogers Bros — the silverplate brand
1847 Rogers Bros is the most commonly encountered International Silver Company brand in estates — and it is silverplate, not sterling. The "1847" in the name refers to the year the Rogers brothers began their business, not the date of manufacture. This is the single most common source of confusion with International Silver. People see "1847" and assume they have antique sterling silver, when in fact they have silverplate that could have been made at any point in the 20th century. While some 1847 Rogers Bros patterns have modest collectible value, they do not carry the material value of sterling silver.
Understanding the marks
The marks on the back of International Silver pieces tell you everything you need to know. Look for these key indicators:
"International Sterling" — This is genuine sterling silver. This is the mark you want to find. It confirms the piece is solid sterling silver (92.5% pure) and has both collectible and melt value.
"IS" — This typically indicates silverplate, not sterling. Despite looking like it could be an abbreviation for "International Sterling," this mark was used on plated products.
"1847 Rogers Bros" — Silverplate. Always. Despite the old-sounding name, this brand produced only silverplate.
"International Silver Co." — This is the company name used on silverplate products. Sterling pieces use "International Sterling" instead.