Friday, April 9, 2010

The Meriden Name Problem

Meriden Connecticut was center of silver and silver plate manufacturing. There were a few companies with Meriden in their name and I thought a short list might be useful to understanding the difference between them. (Similar names is an issue that has often been a source of confusion to me don't even get me started on flatware manufacturers)  The formation of the International Silver Company helped to consolidate these companies but it still used a variety of marks from the companies that formed it to indicate levels of quality.

A Few Facts (these will be on the test): The Meriden Silver Plate Co.

1. The Meriden Silver Plate Co. Was started in 1869.

2. It's factories were in Meriden Connecticut.

3. It helped form the International Silver Company in 1898.

4. It is not the same company as the Meriden Britannia Company.

5. Marks used into the 1930's.

6. Marks read: The Meriden Silver Plate Co., The Meriden S.P.Co., International S.Co., Eureka Silver Co.,   

A Few More Facts:  The Meriden Britannia Company

1. Started in 1852.

2.  First formed for creating Britannia (white metal) Hollowware.

3.  Offering plated ware by 1855

4.  In 1862 joined by the Rogers Brothers. (who used the 1847 Rogers Brothers mark from Hartford)    -the mess of "Rogerses" is something we will seek to unravel later.

5.  Had London and Canadian Branches.

6. Had sales offices in New York, Chicago, and San Fransisco.

7. 1898 - One of the founding members, and leading organizers of the International Silver Company.

8. The Meriden Britannia Company's marks were used until the 1930's.

9. Marks read Meriden B. Company, Sillimans Silver Ring, M.B. Co, M B C E P (in shields)

You can make a comparison of  the Meridian Britannia Company and the Meriden Silver Plate Co. marks at two wonderful sites.

First is the site 925-1000, they have an awesome list of marks, and a great library.

You can view it here.

Second is The Online Encyclopedia of American Silver Marks. This site is also a great resource for the collector.


You can view it here.

One More Meriden: Meriden Britannia Co. LTD.

1. Located in Hamilton Ontario.

2. Founded in 1879.

3. Canadian branch of Meriden Britannia Company.

4. Produced flatware (1847 Rogers, sterling)

5. Merged with International Silver Co. of Canada ~ 1912

Another Company: Meriden Cutlery Company

1. Early founding  - 1834

2. Started by  G. and D.N. Ropes (cutlery manufacturers) in Maine.

3. Business acquired by Julius Pratt & Co. of Meriden

4. 1845 merger creates Pratt, Ropes, Webb & Co. -located in Hanover Connecticut

5. 1855 Joint stock company Meriden Cutlery Company formed located in South Meriden Connecticut.

6. 1866 Purchased by Landers, Fray and Clarke.

7.  Landers, Fray and Clarke out of business in the 1960's

8. Made table cutlery, carving sets,  pearl handled cutlery, carving knives with sterling silver blades, some sterling

9. A January 2, 1891 Advertisement list their "Patented Celluloid Handle"

You can view this advert here.


The New Your Times had this to say about the Company in 1877.


Sale of American Cutlery
February 14, 1877, Wednesday

"The first public sale of cutlery under the auspices of the Table Cutlery Manufacturers' Association of the United States comprising the Beaver Falls Cutlery Company, Landers, Frary Clark, John Russel Cutlery Company, Meriden Cutlery Company, Chicago Cutlery Manufacturing Company, and Lamson Goodnow Manufacturing Company was begun yesterday."

You can read the whole article in .pdf here.

Two Final Meridens

1. Meriden Jly Co. or Meriden Jewelry Co.

2. Meriden Sterling Co. 1896-1904

The work A Historical Record and Pictorial Description of the Town of Meriden, The Town of Meriden Connecticut "The Silver City" (1906) By Charles Bancroft Gillespie, George Munsor Curtis covers the history of manufacturers in Meriden. Large sections of the book focus on the International Silver Company and covers at length both the Meriden Britannia Company and the Meriden Silver Plate Co. as well as other silver companies. It also gives the general history of the town on Meriden. This is an invaluable resource.

60 comments:

  1. We have a bread plate/ bowl in our possession that is stamped with "Meriden S.P.CO" above and just below it it has the word "International S. CO.". The upper and lower words have the symbol of a lion holding a challis in a very plain script drawing. Below the stamp are the numbers 2316. Can you

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    Replies
    1. Today I got the same kind bowl #2226...can u tell me what was urs?silver or silver plate?

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    2. I have the that as well 2212

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  2. I have a silver plated creamer and pitcher on a silver plated tray with the inscription on creamer & pitcher: Queen Silver Company,Quadruple, Meriden Co., 600. I've been told by a dealer to melt it down or give it to Goodwill as it has no value and, more recently, by another source that it has maintained its high sheen because it has 4 layers of plating, was made between 1800 and 1898 when the Meriden Co merged with others to become the Intn'l Silver Co, and should not be given to Goodwill or melted down, but I still don't know if it has a value. Who can help?

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    Replies
    1. Quadruple anywhere in the mark means plates with 4x the usual thickness of plating. still a negligible ablount of silver content.

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  3. I have a pickle castor marked Meriden B. Company Quadruple Plate 199 1/2. I have been looking on ebay and other sites but I have not seen another number with a 1/2. Does anybody know what the 1/2 means?

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  4. I HAVE 8 GORGEOUS AND UNIQUE BREAD PLATES WITH THE MERIDEN S. P. CO. INTERNATIONAL S. CO. AND WITH A WOMAN AND CHILD IN THE MIDDLE. HMMM I'M LOST ON THIS.

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    Replies
    1. the "sp" stands for silver plate.

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  5. I have a flower basket that is marked Meriden P Co International Silver 520 - can you tell me is it silver or silver plate?

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  6. I have a spoon that says "MERIDAN SILVER CO." Nothing about plate.???

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    Replies
    1. Not enough info here...but I think silver plate unless it says sterling somewhere.

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  7. I have a chafing dish set, with stand, warmer, dish and lid, along with the flame extinguisher. It is stamped on the bottom as "Meriden B company 0645 silver soldered 10 in." It is in fairly decent condition. No dents. It has been used and has plating wear on the inside of the dish, as well was a spot of what appears to be green paint on the handle. It is also engraved with a stylized "C" on the lid. I really wonder what year this was made and if it has any worth. I am very curioius about this piece. If anyone can be of any assistance, I would be greatly appreciative.I have not been able to find any really useful information about chafing dishes in particular on the internet. Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. It is plated, but may have some age. if the plating is wearing off in some places as you say, the value will likely be below $25

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  8. i have a 36 piece of american presidents commemative spoon collection thru nixon can i get somewhere the next 7, ford thru obama ? send me an email if u know about this. jeepdude044@aol.com

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    Replies
    1. I would try mail order companies like Franklin Mint and such. Why don't you know who made the ones you already have? EBay too.

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  9. Can you please tell me the dates that the MBC over EP with the scales, wheat and thistle, crest and star, crown (something I don't know what to call it) and a star was used. Thanks, Betty

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  10. I have a 7in goblet with " MERIDEN B COMPANY No 12" encircling a shield with scales. I have no other information about this cup. it seems to be in good condition. if anyone has any information they could share about it, that would be great.

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  11. I have a ladle that is very heavy simply marked "meridenbrita co" on the back and "ziegler's" on the front handle. I also have a large spoon that is on the heavy side marked "internationalsiverco" and I S after it with the I and S inclosed in it's own square. I'm familiar with plated silver so I'm wondering could this be german silver or coin silver because it's so heavy? It has a quality feel unlike any of the plated goods I've come across.

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  12. I have a 4 piece tea set from my aunt. Stamped - Meriden B. Company 1836. Scratched next to the 1836 is "1943" I gather this is plate for I do not see any Sterling Stamp. Does it still have a good value?

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  13. I have a Meriden double wall pitcher silver lined dated 1854 what do you think it worth. bob

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  14. I have 4 wine/water goblets. The half-circle logo that reads:
    Meriden S P Co
    International S Co
    2004
    It has some animal figure in the center I believe.
    Does anyone know what the 2004 stands for? Where can I find more info?

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  15. Hello? Available assistance?
    I have a wicked heavy genie lamp kinda thing. Meriden Silver Plate Co stamped1405 14794 and it is in flawless condition.

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  16. have , what I believe to be a calling card tray, hummingbird on a large leaf,aprox 8" x 35", footed. marked with the griffin logo.. no quadruple mentioned .. also with number 1093.. markes are made and plated by the meriden silver plate co.. Age?

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  17. should be 3.5" sorry

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  18. Hi I have a box that has this logo on it and has a possible serial number 1198. According to family history, it was bought in greece or in the general area.

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  19. 9. Marks read Meriden B. Company, Sillimans Silver Ring, M.B. Co, M B C E P (in shields)

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  20. Sorry, not sure what happened but my entire post didn't show. Basically i have 2 candlesticks with M B Co on the bottom which looks like the trademark to the Meriden B company as in your #9 point above. What I am wondering about is there is also a number (178 or maybe L78 - can't really decipher) then it states Made and Guaranteed by in caps and then USA. Where can I doing more about these markings? Thanks for any help you can offer!

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    Replies
    1. I also have two 10" candle sticks with same inscription. It is 178 .. but I do not know what this means. I assume these are heavily silver plates... gold colored.

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  21. I have a cup marked Meriden, then an area that I can't make out,
    then the word "company". In the center is a logo that looks like
    scales. On the outside of the cup is carvings of a polar bear floating on a piece of ice in the water. On the handle is an extra attachment of a head of a man with a beard, mustache and bushy eyebrows and of course with hair on head. Really grabbed my interest because it was really different. Not sure if it is silver or not, It has turned black but appears to be in very good condition. Would like to know how old it is and if anyone knows, why the polar bears and ice cycles and of course the man on the handle. Just curious. If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to advise. Oh yea, it has the number 68
    underneath the logo.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have a cup marked Meriden, then an area that I can't make out,
    then the word "company". In the center is a logo that looks like
    scales. On the outside of the cup is carvings of a polar bear floating on a piece of ice in the water. On the handle is an extra attachment of a head of a man with a beard, mustache and bushy eyebrows and of course with hair on head. Really grabbed my interest because it was really different. Not sure if it is silver or not, It has turned black but appears to be in very good condition. Would like to know how old it is and if anyone knows, why the polar bears and ice cycles and of course the man on the handle. Just curious. If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to advise. Oh yea, it has the number 68
    underneath the logo.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have a 1880 trophy from the civil war encampment in st Louis..... it's .marked... meriden b. company....where can I find a value..

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  24. Hi there I just purchased a teapot at a garage sale and am curious about it.Since I live next door to Hamilton I and it is stamped from there I would like a bit of Info if you couldmshare with me.
    The stamp on the bottom is the balance scales in a circle then stamped below that is Meriden B Co., Hamilton Canada then below that is stamped 980 with a "T" below the numbers.
    Any help would be appreciated.

    Kindest regards
    Cheryl

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  25. I have a large (about 15 inches tall) double walled pitcher that was apparently made for a wedding in May of 1865. Not in good condition, though given the elaborate scroll work it must have been beautiful when it was first made. Am curious not only about value but about where I might research info about the occasion of its production.

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  26. I have a teapot, creamer and sugar bowl...very heavey...teapot has a wooden handle...all three peices have a stamp on the bottom...MERIDEN B CO. INTERNATIONAL S CO in a hailf moon type stamp with the scale...below the stamp it says Hamilton Canada, below this it has a number 980....any info on this would be welcome

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  27. Hello, I have a six piece cruet by Meridian silver plate Co. quadruple plate serial 3044 it is slightly pitted and was hoping for any info on getting it re-plated and maybe what year it was produced any info would be appreciated.

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  28. Really Amazing! It is a nice collection of silver and silver plate. If you are searching Sterling Silver Tableware for your kitchen then it is suitable for your kitchen appliances. You can entertain your guests and also produce magical touch to your home decoration.

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  29. I think this is a standout amongst the most critical data for me. What's more, i'm happy perusing your article. Be that as it may, ought to comment on some broad things, The site style is flawless, the articles is truly awesome : D. Great job, here's to you Garage door repair

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  30. I have a cake knife in my possession.. its old and it says "international silver company" on the box. I was wondering its worth. Im still not sure if its silver or just plated. Magnets dont stick to it so im gonna go ahead and get it tested. Any ideas on if i should scrap it or sell it as a whole.

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  31. hi, i have 18 baby teaspoons, marked ony " Eureka" Any ideas on if these are silver or plated or not from the Meriden company?

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  32. sorry, I am calling them baby teaspoons, because of size...not even sure they might be small sugar or salt spoons?

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  33. I have a porcupine toothpick holder , marked 1900
    Meriden , double plate, standing lion mark in center. Hard to read even with magnifier. I thought it was pewter but found a similar one ( (priced at $68!)on Ebay which was silver plate. It isn't very shiny when polished. Any idea of value?

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  34. I have a meriden sp Co and international silver co 2408 coffee and tea pot set in very good condition has sugar bowl and creamer. Also has the serving tray. Could you tell me how old it is and if it is worth anything?

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  35. I have a water pitcher(?)with Silver City Plate Co then Meriden Conn around a circle with quadruple plate. Inside the circle. Any ideas. It’s also heavily engraved and has monogram, but so matte black I thought it was Pewter.

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  37. Today i just a Meriden B. Company quadruple plate underneath it is stamped 335 under 335 is stamped what looks like L L then usa. And in the cicle where it states the company name it has the libra scales on a sheild. I know that the quadruple means 4x the silver but i cant find any plates online matching this description nor any with the scales and sheild. Also what do the two L's mean? They are placed beneath the numbers and lined up with the space between the numbers

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  38. I have a Silver Box opening in middle two side square boxes one on each side with top attached. The bottom states "Made and Guaranteed by above circle with Meriden BCompany beneth circle is the number 58 and under the number U.S.A. Is this real silver box

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  39. Inhave a fork which says in a super tiny circle with the old school weight system centered with the word meriden ??? Around it says Roger's bros 1847

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  43. What years was the lion mark used?

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  46. Have you heard of the American Silver Plate Co. of New Meriden, CT?

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