Manhattan Silver Plate Co. designs in collections, exhibitions and historical information

Marks, advertisements & more concerning the design legacy.

ADC staff
artdesigncafé - design | Design Meriden | 1 June 2016 | Updated 17 July 2021
manhattan silver plate co advert manhattan silver plate co advert chicago fair pavilion


Above left, Manhattan Silver Plate Co. advertisement in The new line between New York and Philadelphia to the Centennial (1876); right, illustration of Manhattan Silver Plate Co. exhibit in 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, as shown in Jeweler’s Circular (27 September 1893). See entries below.


"MANHATTAN SILVER PLATE CO., Brooklyn and Lyons, NY
Organized in Brooklyn, New York in 1872, the business moved to Lyons, New York, in 1889. In 1893, a business owned by A. H. Towar was purchased and continued under the name New Haven Silver Plate Co. The firm was in the original group that formed International Silver Co. Around 1900 the plant was dismantled and the machinery, tools, and material moved to Meriden. The trademark was used on inexpensive silverplated hollowware until about 1908."

— Edmund P. Hogan in An American heritage: A book about the International Silver Company (1977), p. 167 (see entry below).


"There was a Manhattan Plate Co. listed in the New York City Directory in 1865 which may have been this same company." — Rainwater, Dorothy T.; Fuller, Martin; Fuller, Collette. (2004). "Manhattan Silver Plate Co.", (pp. 146-7). Encyclopedia of American silver manufacturers, (revised and expanded 5th ed.). (See entry online below.)


A. Manhattan Silver Plate Co. - designs in collections


Manhattan Silver Plate Co.; additional trademark: Lyons Silver Co. (definitive listing here, in process.)


Info/photo status: = info and photo online
= info online, no photo
= completely offline


1890s

c. 1898-1904 - serving bowl

Manhattan Silver Plate Co. (c. 1898-1904). Serving bowl. Silver plate. (Cat. ID no. C1971.36.64. Viewed 26 July 2018. C00154).


n. d.

n. d. - tray

Manhattan Silver Plate Co. (undated). Tray. (Accession no. 305. Cat. no. S.65.41.58. Viewed 6 September 2020. J00626).


B. Manhattan Silver Plate Co. - designs at auction


n. d.

n. d. - soup tureen and cover

Manhattan Silver Plate Co. (undated). Soup tureen and cover. (22 August 2017. D00246.)


B. Manhattan Silver Plate Co. - designs in expositions


1870s

1872 - Brooklyn exposition

30 September - 16 October 1872. The Exposition and Industrial Fair of Kings County, Brooklyn Rink, Brooklyn, New York (Clermont Avenue, near Myrtle Avenue).

> Exhibited by Manhattan Plate Company: "some beautifu[l] tea sets, preseve dishes on silver stands ornamented with gold, a champagne cooler for the sideboard, card receivers, coffee urns, and an elegantly designed fruit dish... " (See 2004 Rainwater entry: "Manhattan Silver Plate Co. vs. Manhattan Plate Co.)

  • For documentation, see historical section below.


1890s

1893 - World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago

1 May - 30 October 1893. World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago, Illinois.

> Unspecified designs exhibited by Manhattan Silver Plate Co.

  • For documentation, see historical section below.



See other exhibitions noted as including unspecified International Silver Company designs (1898-present). At this developing research point, Manhattan Silver Plate Co. designs could have been exhibited in some of these exhibitions.



See our Design Meriden compilation listing over 1000 exhibitions since 1851, featuring historical design associated with the Meriden area and International Silver Co. predecessors elsewhere.



D. Manhattan Silver Plate Co. - historical information (by year)


Manhattan Silver Plate Co.; additional trademark: Lyons Silver Co. (definitive listing here, in process.)


Material status: = online
= link to more info
= completely offline


1870s

1853-1931 - company records

International Silver Company. (1853-1931). International Silver Company records. [Including Manhattan Silver Plate, (Lyons, New York)]. (Updated 11 April 2017. A00419.)

Various newspapers, magazines and other sources

(c. 1872-). Various newspapers, magazines and other sources - search engines. (Updated 25 April 2020. C01267; D01213).

1872 - spotlighted article mention - Manhattan Plate Company in Brooklyn Fair

(11 October 1872). The industrial fair [with details of wares exhibited in the show by Manhattan Plate Company (30 September - 16 October 1872)]. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (Brooklyn, New York), unknown page number, col. 8. (See 2004 Rainwater entry: Manhattan Silver Plate Co. vs. Manhattan Plate Co. Viewed 3 July 2019. F01024-28; F01043-47).

1872 - news mention - presumably, Manhattan Silver Plate Co. in Brooklyn exposition

(12 October 1872). The Kings County fair [Brooklyn Rink, Brooklyn, with mention of exhibitor, presumably the Manhattan Silver Plate Co. (30 September - 16 October 1872)]. Evening Post, presumably p. 4, col. 7-8. (Viewed 23 April 2020. F01048-50).

"... the Manhattan Plate Company tea sets, fruit and preserve dishes ornamented in gold, champagne coolers, card receivers, coffee urns and several highly ornamental combination dishes supported by cupids..." (Excerpt from above.)


1876 - advertisement

(1876). Advertisement: "Manhattan Silver Plate Co., office, 39 John Street, New York... silver-plated ware, ice-pitchers, castors, cake baskets... spoons, forks and table ware of the finest quality..." In The new line between New York and Philadelphia to the Centennial (travel / promotional booklet), p. 43. George L. Catlin: New York. (Viewed 20 April 2018. G02063-64).

1878 - eleven listings

Manhattan Silver Plate Company. (February 1878). Listing (in full): "Manufacturers of every description and quality of Silver Plated and Bronze Ware, office No. 39 John [S]treet. Factory 382 to 390 2d Ave." The Jewelers’ Circular, p. xxxv. (Viewed 20 September 2017. G00502; G00506; G00510; G00513; G00522; G00525; G00530; G00534; G00537; G00541-42.)


1880s

1880 - classified advertisement

(11 May 1880). Classified advertisement: "A Hand Burnisher wanted to work on silver-plated ware. Manhattan Silver Plate Co., 301 East 22d st." The Sun (New York), presumably p. 4, col. 1. (Viewed 21 September 2018. B00360).

1880 - two classified advertisements

(30 September 1880). Classified advertisements: "A solderers accustomed to work with blow pipe..."; "A Silver Plater and gilder on britannia ware. Manhattan Silver Plate Co., 301 E. 22d st." The Sun (New York), presumably p. 4, col. 3. (Viewed 21 September 2018. B00360).

1880 - advertisement

E. J. Lehmann, Chicago. (5 December 1880). Advertisement: "... Silver Plated Ware.. Manhattan Silver Co. ..." [with no illustrations]. Chicago Daily Tribune, p. 1, col. 4. (See 2004 Rainwater entry: "Manhattan Silver Plate Co. vs. Manhattan Plate Co. Viewed 1 July 2019. B00356).

1882 - classified advertisement

(25 August 1882). Classified advertisement: "A number of hand burnishers wanted... Manhattan Silver Plate Co. ... 301 East 22d st." The Sun (New York), presumably p. 4, col. 3. (Viewed 14 October 2014. B01046).

1884 - classified advertisement

(17 August 1884). Classified advertisement: "Sand buffers and female hand burnishers on Britannia ware. Manhattan Silver Plate Co., 301 East 22d st." The Sun (New York), p. 7, col. 6. (Viewed 14 October 2014. B01047).

1886 - advertisement reprint

(1886). Advertisement for Manhattan Silver Plate Co. In Bloomingdale’s illustrated 1886 catalog, p. 151. Reprinted in 1988, Dover edition, in association with the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan. (Viewed 20 April 2018. G02062).

1887 - classified advertisement

Manhattan Silver Plate Co. (25 February 1887). Classified advertisement: "WANTED— A caster to work in britannia metal. Manhattan Silver Plate Co., Hoyt & 3d sts. B’klyn". The Sun (New York), presumably p. 5, col. 4. (Viewed 17 October 2018. B01111).


1889 articles

See the articles


1889 - news mention

(14 June 1889). County and vicinity ["The Manhattan Silver Plate company will move to Lyons, sufficient money having been raised. The work of removing will begin immediately."] Palmyra Courier (Palmyra, New York), p. 2, col. 2. (Viewed 21 June 2020. L01442).

1889 - news mention

(4 July 1889). Our items [mention: "... The Manhattan Silver Plate factory for Lyons is an assured fact. Some of the machinery has arrived, and more is coming"]. The Newark Courier (Newark, New York), presumably p. 3, col. 4. (Viewed 22 June 020. L01443).



1890s

1890 - spotlighted news mention - MSPC tea set as tournament prize

Lyons, NY, 13 June. (14 June 1890). Sportsmen’s tournament; The Prize winners at the shooting grounds in Lyons [mention: "winning the $125 tea set donated by the Manhattan Silver Plate Company"]. The Sun (New York), p. 5, col. 7. (Viewed 21 June 2020. L01440-41).


1890 - other articles

See the articles


1890 - news mention

(20 February 1890). Our items [with mention: "The Manhattan Silver Plate Company, of Lyons, has received an order for 15,000 napkin rings." The Newark Courier (Newark, New York), presumably p. 3, col. 2. (Viewed 17 October 2018. B01112).

1890 - news mention - court case

(17 May 1890). Court calendar [with mention: "March 24, 1890. 24. Manhattan Silver Plate company vs. The Greenwich Insurance company."] Newark Union (Newark, New York), presumably p. 3, col. 7. (Viewed 17 October 2018. B01113).



1893 - Manhattan Silver Plate in exposition

(1893). World’s Columbian Exposition, 1893 (Chicago), Official catalogue, Part VIII. [Listed on p. 28]. (Exhibition: 1 May - 30 October 1893). W. B. Conkey Company: Chicago. (Viewed 13 May 2017. A00850; A02429.)

1893 - Manhattan Silver Plate in exposition

Manhattan Silver Plate Co. (1893). Souvenir reference book 1492-1893. 32 pp. (“Presented by Manhattan Silver Plate Co. Chicago salesroom, 63-65 Washington St.; Pocket souvenir book issued by Manhattan Silver Plate Co consisting primarily of pages with illustrations of Columbian World’s Fair buildings opposite ruled memo pages for taking notes.”) (Updated 11 April 2017. A00673-74.)

1893 - Manhattan Silver Plate in exposition - feature magazine article

(27 September 1893). The exhibit of the Manhattan Silver Plate Co. Jewelers’ Circular and Horological Review, pp. 25-26. (Viewed 21 April 2018. G02083-85).

"Silver and gold form a most attractive combination and in no exhibit at the World’s Columbian Exposition is this better exemplified than in the display of the Manhattan Silver Plate Co." (Excerpt from above.)


1893 - advertisement

John G. Myers, Albany, NY. (15 April 1893). Advertisement: "... We have constantly in stock a full line of high-grade goods made by the ... Manhattan Silver Plate Co. ... " [with no illustrations]. The Troy Daily Times (New York), p. 1, col. 8. (Viewed 15 August 2020. L02040-41).


1894 articles

See the articles


1894 - news mention

(21 February 1894). News gleanings (including mention of the Manhattan Silver Plate Co.). The Jewelers’ Circular and Horological Review, p. 34. (Viewed 5 September 2018. F00291).

"The costly show case which contained the exhibit of the Manhattan Silver Plate Co. at the World’s Fair is reported lost in transit from Chicago to the California Mid-Winter Fair." (Excerpt in full from above.)


1894 - news mention

(14 March 1894). Chicago notes (mentioning Manhattan Silver Plate Co. adding electric lighting at their factory at Lyons, New York and building a railroad connection). The Jewelers’ Circular and Horological Review, p. 20. (Viewed 5 September 2018. F00293-94).

1894 - news mention

(28 March 1894). Connecticut (with statement about Manhattan Silver Plate Co. running overtime). The Jewelers’ Circular and Horological Review, p. 25. (Viewed 5 September 2018. F00295).



1895 - spotlighted news mention

(4 September 1895). Canada’s fair; ... A magnificent display by exhibitors in every department [with mention of Standard Silver Co. in exhibition, and Manhattan Silver Plate Company]. Daily Mail and Empire (Toronto, Canada), pp. 1-2. (Viewed 10 September 2020. E01348-62).

"... Standard Silver Company. A decidedly neat and artistic display of all manner of silver-plated ware is shown by the Standard Silver Company... Their exhibit is in the Main Building... The company is a new and strong one, formed last November after the failure of the Acme Silver Plate Company, and has at its head such men as President Thomas, of the Manhattan Silver Plate Company, of Lyons, N.Y.; and Mr. George C. Edwards, president of the Holmes and Edwards Silver Company, of Bridgeport, Conn., who are president and vice-president, respectively, of the Standard... " (Excerpt from above.)



1895 articles

See the articles


1895 - news mention

(23 January 1895). Chicago notes: "... H. D. Cretcher, formerly for five years salesman for the Hartford Silver Plate Co. [Barbour Silver Co. predecessor] ... will represent the Holmes & Edwards Silver Co. and the Manhattan Silver Plate Co., on the road in Michigan and Wisconsin..." Jewelers’ Circular (Western Supplement), p. 28. (Viewed 10 October 2020. F01483).

1895 - news mention

(23 January 1895). Chicago notes: "... Walter L. Nason informs his friends that he will this season represent, direct from the factories, the Holmes & Edwards Silver Co. and the Manhattan Silver Plate Co... " Jewelers’ Circular (Western Supplement), p. 28. (Viewed 10 October 2020. F01483).



1895 - advertisement

T. L. Streeter, Auctioneer, presumably Streator, IL. (24 April 1895). Advertisement: "... We have a large stock... Hollow-ware; Of the following well known manufacturers: ... Manhattan Silver Plate Co. ... " [with no illustrations]. Streator Daily Free Press (Streator, IL), presumably p. 2, cols. 3-5. (Viewed 17 July 2021. R00723).

  • Contact local library or search worldcat.org for possible locations.



Manhattan Silver Plate Co. / New Haven Silver Plate Co. became part of the International Silver Company in 1898. After this date, it is assumed that any design patents utilized by the division or brand were assigned to the International Silver Company. (See the ISC historical documentation page).



1900s

1900 - news mention

(3 January 1900). Chicago notes [news brief, talks about International Silver Co. consolidation and salesrooms effects in Chicago; mentions Barbour Silver Co., Holmes & Edwards Silver Co., Manhattan Silver Plate Co., Meriden Britannia Co., Rogers & Hamilton Co., Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co. Jeweler’s Circular and Horological Review, p. 34. (Viewed 7 May 2018. AAA02967; AAA02074).

1900 - news mention

(5 February 1900). [No article heading; listing the Manhattan Silver Plate Company, Lyons, New York as "Factory D" of the International Silver Company]. The Daily Morning Journal and Courier (New Haven, CT), p. 1, col. 7. (Viewed 29 September 2018. B00566-67).


1902 advertisements

See the ads


1902 - advertisement

International Silver Co. (4 September 1902). Advertisement: "... Makers of wares in Sterling Silver, Gold and Silver Plate and Rich Cut Glass... Salesrooms: Meriden, New York, Chicago, Hamilton, Ontario; Factories: ’A,’ formerly Barbour Silver Co., ’E,’ formerly Meriden Britannia Co., ’F’ formerly Meriden Silver Plate Co., ’N,’ formerly Wilcox Silver Plate Co. Also Bridgeport [presumably Holmes & Edwards], Derby [presumably Derby Silver Co.], Hartford [presumably Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co.], Norwich [presumably Norwich Cutlery], Waterbury [presumably Rogers & Brother and Rogers & Hamilton], Wallingford [presumably Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co. and Watrous Manufacturing Co.], Lyons, N.Y. [presumably Manhattan Silver Plate Co.] and Canada [with no illustrations]. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 3, col. 6. (Viewed 28 June 2020. F01266).

1902 - advertisement

International Silver Co. (11 December 1902). Advertisement: "... Makers of wares in Sterling Silver, Gold and Silver Plate and Rich Cut Glass... Salesrooms: Meriden, New York, Chicago, Hamilton, Ontario; Factories: ’A,’ formerly Barbour Silver Co., ’E,’ formerly Meriden Britannia Co., ’F’ formerly Meriden Silver Plate Co., ’N,’ formerly Wilcox Silver Plate Co. Also Bridgeport [presumably Holmes & Edwards], Derby [presumably Derby Silver Co.], Hartford [presumably Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co.], Norwich [presumably Norwich Cutlery], Waterbury [presumably Rogers & Brother and Rogers & Hamilton], Wallingford [presumably Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co. and Watrous Manufacturing Co.], Lyons, N.Y. [presumably Manhattan Silver Plate Co.] and Canada [with no illustrations]. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 3, col. 6. (Viewed 2 July 2020. F01301).



1903 advertisements

See the ads


1903 - two advertisements

International Silver Company. (January-February 1903). Advertisements: "Makers of Wares of Sterling and Silver Plate... [Factories:] The Barbour Silver Co., The Holmes & Edwards Silver Co., Meriden Britannia Co., The Meriden Silver Plate Co., Rogers & Brother, Wilcox Silver Plate Co., The Meriden Cut Glass Co., The Derby Silver Co., Manhattan Silver Plate Co., The Forbes Silver Co., The Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co., The Rogers & Hamilton Co.; Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co., The Watrous Mfg. Co." House Furnishing Review. (Viewed 7 October 2017. G01135; G01151.)

1903 - advertisement

International Silver Co. (10 December 1903). Advertisement: "... Makers of wares in Sterling Silver, Gold and Silver Plate and Rich Cut Glass... Salesrooms: Meriden, New York, Chicago, Hamilton, Ontario; Factories: ’A,’ formerly Barbour Silver Co., ’E,’ formerly Meriden Britannia Co., ’F’ formerly Meriden Silver Plate Co., ’H,’ formerly Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co., ’N,’ formerly Wilcox Silver Plate Co. Also Bridgeport [presumably Holmes & Edwards], Derby [presumably Derby Silver Co.], Norwich [presumably Norwich Cutlery], Waterbury [presumably Rogers & Brother and Rogers & Hamilton], Wallingford [presumably Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co. and Watrous Manufacturing Co.], Lyons, N.Y. [presumably Manhattan Silver Plate Co.] and Canada [with no illustrations]. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 3, col. 6. (Viewed 2 July 2020. F01302).



1905 - news mention

(March 1905). News mention: Manhattan Silver Plate Company moves to Meriden. House Furnishing Review, p. 171. (Viewed 2 October 2017. G00998-G01005.)


1930s

1936 - spotlighted article mention

Snow, William G. (17 April 1936). Meriden’s silverware industry history [with mention of Manhattan Silver Plate Co.] The Meriden Daily Journal [Fiftieth Anniversary issue (1886-1936)], unknown page numbers. (Viewed 30 December 2020. D01699).

1936 - article mention

(17 April 1936). International Silver Co. [with mention of Manhattan Silver Plate Co.] The Meriden Daily Journal [Fiftieth Anniversary issue (1886-1936)], unknown page number. (Viewed 25 November 2020. D01700).


1940s

1947 - secondary source

May, Earl Chapin. (1947). "Manhattan Silver Plate Co." mentioned, shown in graphic as International Silver Company predecessor (inside front cover). (The company is not listed in the book’s index.) In Century of silver, 1847-1947; Connecticut Yankees and a noble metal. 388 pp. New York: E.M. McBride & Company. (Updated 16 April 2018. DM.)


1960s

1961 - directory - MSPC marks

Kovel. Ralph M. & Terry H. (1961). "Manhattan Silver Plate Co." marks; "Lyons Silver Co." marks. In A directory of American silver, pewter, and silver plate, p. 337. Crown Publishers, Inc.: New York. (Viewed 20 April 2019. G02065-66).

1966 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T. (1966). "International Silver Co." [with mention of Manhattan Silver Plate Co.], (pp. 82-3). In American silver manufacturers: Their marks, trademarks and history. Everybodys Press: Hanover, PA. (Viewed 20 August 2020. L01882-83 L01900-01).

1966 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T. (1966). "Manhattan Silver Plate Co.", Lyons Silver Co. [with marks], (p. 107). In American silver manufacturers: Their marks, trademarks and history. Everybodys Press: Hanover, PA. (Viewed 6 August 2020. L01882-83 L01903).


1970s

1977 - secondary source

Hogan, Edmund P. (1977). On "Manhattan Silver Plate Co.", [p. 167 (statement in full above)]. In An American heritage: A book about the International Silver Company. Taylor Publishing Company: Dallas, TX. (Updated 17 April 2017. DM.)


2000s

2004 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T.; Fuller, Martin; Fuller, Collette. (2004). "International Silver Company" [with mention of Manhattan Silver Plate Co.], (p. 116-20). Encyclopedia of American silver manufacturers, (revised and expanded 5th ed.). Schiffer Publishing: Atglen, PA. (Viewed 12 August 2020. A02925a-c(-)27a-c).

2004 - encyclopedia entry

Rainwater, Dorothy T.; Fuller, Martin; Fuller, Collette. (2004). "Manhattan Silver Plate Co.", Lyons Silver Co. [with marks], (pp. 146-7). Encyclopedia of American silver manufacturers, (revised and expanded 5th ed.). Schiffer Publishing: Atglen, PA. (Viewed 17 August 2017. A02931; A02931b.)

"The company manufactured electroplated silverwares and exported, mainly to South America and Australia, nearly one-third its production."

"There was a Manhattan Plate Co. listed in the New York City Directory in 1865 which may have been this same company." (Excerpts from above.)




Click the following link to see designs and documentation for other historical silver companies from the Meriden area, and those that were connected to the International Silver Company; go to the historical Meriden design overview page and scroll down to section D: "ISC, predecessors & divisions" and E: "Other featured companies".



Footnote:
[1] Manhattan Silver Plate Co. / New Haven Silver Plate Co. was acquired by the International Silver Company in 1898. See "A Guide to the International Silver Company Records, 1853-1921 (link to library entry)". University of Connecticut university libraries website. Viewed 15 May 2016 [A00660-61]