Forbes Silver Co. was formed in 1894 as one of the manufacturers of the silverplate industry in Meriden Britannia Co. and was one of the companies that was consolidated into the International Silver Co. in 1898
American, circa 1894-97
Silver plated
Forbes Silver Co.
Personal Collection of Daniela M. Addamo
Connecticut was a major epicenter home to almost all the silver manufacturers in America since the early 19th century. The city of Meriden, was this epicenter, earning the name “The Silver City.” The Meriden Britannia Company, founded in 1852 by Horace and Dennis Wilcox, was a massive silver (and other metals) manufacturer that eventually incorporated almost all the silver companies in Connecticut, until the silver industry giant, International Silver Co. engulfed them. The International Silver Co. was established on November 19, 1898, and quickly bought out and merged all manufacturers of silver goods in Connecticut. These manufacturers included Forbes Silver., Roger Bros. Silver., Derby Silver., Meriden, and many others. Some of them are still producing silver today. The company shipped goods all over the northeast. The Silver City became the major location of production of silver goods until they fell out of favor in 1984.
Daniela Addamo 