Meriden Silver Plate Co.

Founding: Meriden was home to numerous pewter manufacturers. As silver displaced pewter for popular home utensil use, Charles Casper founded the Meriden Silver Plate Company in Meriden in 1869.

Merger: In 1898 Meriden Silver joined other small plate companies in the city under the name International Silver Company. Each firm continued to stamp a maker's mark on designs, but the marketing and production was done at the same facility.

Identification: Meriden Silver Plate is recognized by the maker's mark that incorporates the company's name in a circular design with a lion holding a silver vase. Items are identified as "made and plated" by the company, or simply "plated."

Numbering: Meriden produced limited-edition silver and silver-plate items. These are clearly marked by the numbers incised into each piece.