Insico Zephyr...Fred Harvey??

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When it comes to commercial ware identifications, one must be willing to place their head on the chopping block. Here will be presented two different "F.H." topmark stamped monograms on the 1935- International Silver Co. Zephyr Pattern.
But first, we have already seen that some patterns were introduced as commercial ware years before the official pattern date for public release. The Insico Albany Pattern is generally given 1935 as it's introduction date...however we know this pattern has been backstamped both "Fred Harvey" and "Santa Fe' "(notice it is the older style Santa Fe' rather than the modernized Santa Fe). This raises the question of whether this pattern was in commercial useage prior to 1935.
Now, the samples of "F.H." Zephyr include two letter styles, both topmarked. Other than Lackawanna, most railroad Zephyr pieces are only marked with stamped initials like "ACL" or "FEC" (Atlantic Coast Lines and Florida East Coast). Jumping ahead of a lot of stuff, it is my theory that Fred Havey may have adopted the Zephyr flatware for use on the new Super Chief streamlined trains as they were phased in. It may have been used with the Mimbreno Indian designs china service, and possibly slightly earlier. These samples are Triple Plate (not all were marked as such) and one spoon carries an oddball "C" engraved/stamped into the back (not on any other piece here). Photo groups 1 & 2 to follow.

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Photo group 2..showing second "F.H." topmark letter style and odd "C" mark on back of one spoon. [Note: One seller claiming Fred Harvey #69 marked "FH" has been contacted for further information regarding the pattern and source identification.]

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Photo group 1...showing entire sample set after heavy old tarnish removed, and then front and backs of type 1 "F.H." initials (a lettering style seen on old cans of Fred Harvey coffee as well as other items of memorabilia). Also note how Zephyr's four-bars design is similar to the "Warbonnet" extended lines theme used by Santa Fe Railway during the steamliner era.

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Historical skeleton giving Mary Colter credit for both the china and silverware designs...the Mimbreno China was introduced to the full streamliner after new cars arrived in 1937, but the train had earlier origination. Indeed, Colter was employed primarily by the Fred Harvey Company, but I know of no silverware employing her credited designs. (There was a growing problem in the '30's between her and the new F.H. management over costs, and some designs may have never been executed beyond samples or mock-ups. One such piece of "FH" Buffalo China in native sand art designs surfaced from a collection without definitely conclusive identification. Bright Angel Lodge was one possibility.)

Link for Super Chief history: https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispe ... _Chief.htm

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Confirming age of backstamp...From A Century of Silver (1947)..."International S. Co." mark was already logged in prior useage (see Plate XL) without identifying any particular plant.

Confirming small knife blade's age...Same source indicates production of the shorter blades (known commonly as "Viande") began in 1929. It was originally executed for a request for an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

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For photo evidence, there are some real problems. Railroad publicity shots were staged, so if something wasn't permanently part of the decor we can't be totally sure it was kosher. Additionally, many authors have found it convenient to take photos from other eras or even other trains when documenting services...you really have to watch the details carefully.
The good news is a genuine candid photo with railcar builder Edward G. Budd on-board a Super Chief diner (on an early run) shows the 1937 Mimbreno China present. In the left corner, blurred due to its' proximity to the camera lens, one can see some silver flatware which appears (to my eye) somewhat less ornate than patterns like Albany...this was shown in a book specifically about this train's history. Hopefully, an even better candid photo may surface....Hollywood celebrity candid shots are often a great source for making I.D.'s.

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I stand corrected on an earlier statement...during the 1950's, International produced plated wares topmarked in the spelling "Santa Fe' ", with bottom mark "Santa Fe". This ware was fancy embellishment.

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Recieved photos on Fred Harvey #69. Was International banquet plate backmarked Fred Harvey in full block on Manhattan/Beverly Hills/(Aurora*) pattern..so no help there.

*An un-confirmed name used on one site..not official.