Birmingham Silver Company

Questions About Birmingham Silver Company

• Is the International Silver Company real silver?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertSeptember 10, 2024

  Yes, the International Silver Company produced real silver products. The hallmark "IS," however, refers to the brand and does not indicate purity, as International Silver mass produced silverplated flatware and holloware as well as sterling. In order to determine if the piece is real silver, look for the standard marks that indicate purity — the number 92.5 or 925 and the word “sterling” are indicators of sterling quality.
  
  When an object is described as “silver” or “sterling silver,” it means that it contains 92.5% pure silver (the remaining 7.5% consists of copper and/or other alloys). The purity standard was first established in England and later adopted in the United States. The mark on antique British sterling-silver pieces is the lion passant (a lion walking to the left), which signifies a work is 92.5 percent pure sterling; if it’s not there, it is likely silverplate — or not English.
  
  International Silver was a Connecticut conglomerate formed from 17 companies in 1898. It was once the largest manufacturer of silver and silver-plated products in the world.
  
  Find antique International Silver Company serveware, platters and decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

• Is the Derby Silver Company real silver?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024

  Yes, the Derby Silver Company is real silver. However, most pieces produced by the maker are silver-plate, meaning they have a finish that consists of a thin layer of genuine silver. The remainder of the silver-plated tableware and decorative objects are made of base metal. Founded in 1872, the Derby Silver Company was an American silversmith best known for its line of silver-plated mirrors, combs, brushes, clocks, flatware and tea sets. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of Derby Silver Company silver wares.

• Is the International Silver Company still in business?

  1 Answer
  1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024

  No, the International Silver Company is not still in business. In 1981, the company stopped producing silver due to financial troubles. By 1983, its assets had undergone complete liquidation, and in 1984, Katy Industries Inc. purchased the company. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of International Silver Company silver wares.