Old Company Plate Value: The Ultimate Guide to Silverplate Valuation

Old Company Plate silverware represents a slice of American dining history, with its elegant patterns and quality craftsmanship still attracting collectors today. If you’ve inherited or discovered pieces marked “Old Company Plate,” you might be wondering about their value and historical significance. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Old Company Plate silverware, from its origins to current market values.

What is Old Company Plate?

Old Company Plate was a line of silver-plated flatware produced by International Silver Company, one of America’s largest silverware manufacturers. The brand gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s for its affordable yet elegant designs that mimicked the look of sterling silver at a fraction of the cost.

The “Signature” pattern is among the most recognizable designs from Old Company Plate, featuring a clean, modern aesthetic that aligned with mid-century design preferences. This pattern was often sold with monogramming options, making each set somewhat personalized to the original owner.

Historical Context and Manufacturing

International Silver Company was formed through the merger of several Connecticut silverware manufacturers.

The Old Company Plate line was introduced as an affordable silver-plated option for middle-class American households.

The Signature pattern became extremely popular during the post-war boom years, with many newlyweds receiving sets as wedding gifts.

As stainless steel gained popularity, production of silver-plated flatware including Old Company Plate declined.

The manufacturing process for Old Company Plate involved electroplating a base metal (usually nickel silver or copper) with a thin layer of pure silver. The quality of Old Company Plate was considered good for silver-plated items, though not as heavy or durable as sterling silver pieces.

Identifying Old Company Plate

Hallmarks and Markings

Old Company Plate items are typically marked with:

1. The words “Old Company Plate” stamped on the back of each piece
2. Sometimes accompanied by “IS” or “Int. Silver” for International Silver Company
3. Pattern name (such as “Signature”)
4. In some cases, a monogram of the original owner

The lettering style is distinctive, and the marking is usually clearly stamped rather than etched or engraved.

Common Patterns

The most valuable and collectible Old Company Plate patterns include:

1. Signature - The most common and recognizable pattern, featuring clean lines and a subtle floral element
2. Signature Rose - A variation with rose motifs
3. Monogrammed Sets - Sets with original monograms can be desirable to collectors seeking pieces with their own initials

Materials and Construction

Factors Affecting Old Company Plate Value

Condition Assessment

The condition of silver-plated items is paramount in determining value:

1. Excellent condition - Very little wear to the silver plating, no dents or repairs
2. Good condition - Some wear to the plating, especially on knife blades and tines of forks
3. Fair condition - Significant wear showing the base metal underneath, possible dents or repairs
4. Poor condition - Extensive wear, damage, or repairs making pieces primarily useful for crafts

Completeness of Sets

Old Company Plate flatware is most valuable when sold as complete sets:

• A basic 4-piece place setting includes dinner fork, salad fork, teaspoon, and dinner knife
• Service for 8 (32 pieces) is common and moderately valuable
• Service for 12 (48+ pieces) is more desirable
• Full sets with serving pieces command premium prices

Pattern Popularity and Rarity

While the Signature pattern is most common, certain patterns or special editions of Old Company Plate can be more valuable:

1. Patterns with elaborate detailing tend to hold more value
2. Limited edition or commemorative pieces can be worth more to collectors
3. Unusual serving pieces (fish servers, berry spoons, etc.) often sell for more than standard flatware

Monograms and Personalization

Contrary to what some might expect:

• Monogrammed pieces typically sell for 20-30% less than non-monogrammed pieces
• Exception: When the monogram is particularly attractive or matches a potential buyer’s initials
• Some collectors specifically seek monogrammed pieces for their historical character

Current Market Values

Based on recent sales data, a complete set of Old Company Plate Signature pattern flatware in excellent condition can fetch approximately $100-600, depending on the number of pieces included. Individual serving pieces typically sell for $10-25 each.

According to JustAnswer’s antiques expert, a full set of Old Company Plate flatware in excellent condition has a retail replacement value of approximately $600 on the high end. However, most sets on the secondary market will sell for considerably less.

Where to Buy and Sell Old Company Plate

Finding or selling Old Company Plate silverware requires knowing the right marketplaces:

Where to Buy

1. Online Marketplaces

   • eBay has numerous listings for Old Company Plate flatware
   • Etsy features select pieces, often with creative photography and styling
   • Poshmark carries pre-owned sets, sometimes at discounted prices

2. Specialty Retailers

   • Antique Cupboard specializes in silverware patterns including Old Company Plate
   • The Sterling Shop offers both complete sets and individual pieces

3. Auction Houses and Estate Sales

   • Live auctions occasionally feature Old Company Plate, such as this 48-piece set
   • Estate sales in areas with older homes often yield complete sets

Where to Sell

1. Replacement Services

   • Companies specializing in discontinued patterns may purchase your pieces
   • These typically offer lower prices but provide convenient sales options

2. Direct to Collectors

   • Online marketplaces allow you to reach buyers directly
   • Local antique shops or consignment stores can be options for complete sets

3. Silver Dealers

   • While silver-plated items have minimal scrap value, some dealers purchase sets for resale
   • Expect significantly less than retail price when selling to dealers

Caring for Old Company Plate

Cleaning and Polishing

To maintain the value of Old Company Plate:

1. Regular cleaning - Wash by hand with mild dish soap and soft cloth
2. Avoid dishwashers - The harsh detergents and heat can damage silver plating
3. Gentle polishing - Use silver polish specifically designed for plated items, not sterling
4. Spot cleaning - Address tarnish when it appears rather than waiting for heavy buildup

Storage Recommendations

Proper storage is crucial for preserving silver plate:

1. Store in anti-tarnish cloth or flannel rolls designed for silverware
2. Keep pieces separated to prevent scratching
3. Avoid rubber bands or materials containing sulfur
4. Store in a low-humidity environment

Professional Restoration

For valuable sets, professional restoration may be worthwhile:

1. Re-plating - Completely restores the silver layer but reduces antique value
2. Dent removal - Can be performed by silversmiths for valuable pieces
3. Monogram removal - Possible but may leave visible marks and reduce value

Silver Plate vs. Sterling Silver

Understanding the difference between silver plate and sterling is crucial for valuation:

1. Sterling silver must contain 92.5% pure silver by weight
2. Silver plate is only a thin layer of silver over base metal (often copper or nickel silver)
3. Old Company Plate is silver-plated, not solid silver
4. The value difference is substantial - sterling typically commands 10-20 times the price of comparable silver plate

This fundamental difference explains why Old Company Plate items, while beautiful and collectible, don’t have the intrinsic metal value of sterling silverware.

Investment Potential and Collectibility

Is Old Company Plate a good investment? Consider these points:

1. Silver-plated items rarely appreciate significantly in value over time
2. Complete sets in excellent condition hold value better than incomplete ones
3. The primary value is in utility and aesthetic appeal rather than investment potential
4. Collections based on personal enjoyment rather than financial return are most rewarding

Collectors often focus on:

• Completing matching sets
• Finding rare serving pieces
• Acquiring pieces with family or historical significance
• Displaying and using these elegant items in their homes

Common Questions About Old Company Plate

No, Old Company Plate is not solid silver. It is silver-plated, meaning it has a thin layer of silver electroplated onto a base metal (usually nickel silver or copper). The actual silver content is minimal compared to sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver throughout.

Check for these value indicators:
- Condition of the silver plating (minimal wear is best)
- Completeness of the set (more pieces = higher value)
- Presence of rare serving pieces
- Original storage box or chest
- Pattern popularity (Signature pattern is most recognized)

A complete service for 12 in excellent condition with serving pieces can be worth $200-600, while individual pieces typically sell for $2-25 each depending on type and condition.

Unlike sterling silver, Old Company Plate has minimal scrap value because the actual silver content is very small. The thin layer of silver plating doesn't provide enough precious metal to make it worthwhile for melting down. The value lies in the items' usability, completeness of sets, and aesthetic appeal rather than metal content.

Options for selling include:
- Online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or Poshmark
- Replacement services like Replacements, Ltd.
- Local antique stores or consignment shops
- Estate sale services (for large complete sets)

Complete sets in good condition typically sell better than individual pieces or incomplete sets.

Clean gently using:
- Mild dish soap and warm water
- Soft cloth (never abrasive materials)
- Silver polish specifically formulated for plated items (not sterling)

Avoid:
- Dishwashers
- Harsh chemicals
- Excessive rubbing which can wear away the silver plating
- Soaking for extended periods

Generally, yes. Monogrammed silverplate typically sells for 20-30% less than non-monogrammed pieces unless:
1. The monogram matches the potential buyer's initials
2. The monogram is particularly attractive or artistic
3. The piece has historical significance related to the original owner

For everyday collectors, non-monogrammed pieces are typically more desirable and valuable.

External Resources for Old Company Plate Research and Valuation

Comprehensive database of silverware patterns including Old Company Plate, with current retail prices for replacement pieces.

Specialized seller with detailed information about Old Company Plate patterns and current market prices.

Help identifying specific Old Company Plate patterns including the popular Signature design.

Detailed explanation of the differences between sterling silver and silver-plated items like Old Company Plate.

Current listings showing market prices and available patterns for Old Company Plate silverware.

Expert information on the scrap value of silver-plated items and why they're more valuable intact than melted down.

Conclusion: Is Old Company Plate Worth Collecting?

Old Company Plate silverware represents an accessible entry point into collecting vintage tableware. While it doesn’t carry the significant intrinsic value of sterling silver, its attractive designs and historical connection to mid-century American dining make it appealing to many collectors.

The most valuable Old Company Plate items are:

• Complete sets with serving pieces
• Pieces in excellent condition with minimal wear to the silver plating
• Items with original storage boxes or chests
• Unusual or rare serving pieces

For those who appreciate vintage dining elegance without the high cost of sterling silver, Old Company Plate offers an attractive alternative that can be both collected and used. Whether inherited as a family heirloom or discovered at an estate sale, these pieces connect us to an era when setting a proper table was an art form in itself.

If you’re considering collecting or selling Old Company Plate, focus on condition, completeness, and presentation rather than expecting significant monetary return. The true value lies in the beauty and craftsmanship of these mid-century American classics.