The item in question is a circular serving piece crafted by the International Silver Company. These articles were typically used for presenting food or beverages and were often made of silverplate, offering the appearance of sterling silver at a more accessible price point. An example would be a 14-inch diameter piece with a decorative border, used for serving hors d’oeuvres or cocktails.
Such serving pieces held importance both functionally and aesthetically. They provided a stable and elegant platform for presenting refreshments, enhancing the dining experience. Historically, items from the International Silver Company represent a period of mass-produced silverplate wares that allowed middle-class families to incorporate elements of luxury into their homes. They are also collected as examples of American silver manufacturing history.
