The term describes a specific type of silver-plated flatware or hollowware manufactured by the Forbes Silver Company. The designation “quadruple” indicates the thickness of the silver plating applied to the base metal, signifying a heavier and thus more durable layer of silver compared to lesser plating grades. Pieces marked this way generally exhibit enhanced resistance to wear and tarnishing due to the increased silver content.
Silver-plated items, especially those marked with “quadruple” or similar indicators of plating quality, hold appeal due to their affordability relative to solid silver, while still providing an aesthetically pleasing surface. The Forbes Silver Company, in particular, produced a wide range of items during its operational period, often reflecting popular design trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These items provide insights into historical dining practices and decorative arts of the era, while “quadruple” plated pieces are generally considered more desirable by collectors due to their better condition compared to items with thinner plating.