Wm. A. Rogers English Reproduction Silver-Plated Hollowware Piece, Model 6194
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or Covered Dish) · Wm. A. Rogers Ltd., an American manufacturer later acquired by Oneida Ltd. in 1929. The brand is historically significant for making silver-plated goods accessible to the middle class.
Pattern: English Reproduction series, a popular line of mid-20th-century silver plate designed to mimic 18th-century Georgian English styles.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or Covered Dish)
Maker
Wm. A. Rogers Ltd., an American manufacturer later acquired by Oneida Ltd. in 1929. The brand is historically significant for making silver-plated goods accessible to the middle class.
Material
Silver plate over base metal (nickel silver or copper). This item contains no solid sterling silver; it is an electroplated decorative object.
Dimensions
Estimated length 12-18 inches depending on the specific 6194 form. Weight is substantial due to the heavy base metal but lacks the value of equivalent troy ounces in sterling.
Description
An elegant silver-plated serving piece from the Wm. A. Rogers 'English Reproduction' line. This series was designed to bring the stately appearance of expensive 18th-century English sterling to the American table at an affordable price point. It features a bright, reflective surface and sturdy construction.
Key Features
The presence of the 'English Reproduction' script stamp is the defining trait, alongside the specific Wm. A. Rogers identification marks which distinguish it from higher-end Oneida sterling lines.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over base metal (nickel silver or copper). This item contains no solid sterling silver; it is an electroplated decorative object.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with visible machine-buffed scratches. The 'English Reproduction' line typically features gadroon or shell borders and mirrors traditional aesthetic styles.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '45' (production code/size), 'WM. A. ROGERS' in a rectangular frame, 'An English Reproduction' in Old English script, and model number '6194'.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and mass-produced. The visible solder joint near the handle or rim shows industrial-grade assembly rather than hand-wrought craftsmanship.
Functional Features
Likely a serving vessel or tray designed for domestic dining and formal presentation. It may include a raised rim or decorative handles.
Handle & Grip Details
The image shows a portion of an attached handle or rim mount, likely cast from white metal and silver-plated before being soldered to the main body.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-market industrial quality. Decorative elements are likely die-cast rather than hand-chased. The focus is on durability and visual imitation of higher-end antiques.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, machine-stamped marks. The lack of a 'Sterling' or '925' mark, combined with the 'English Reproduction' label, confirms this is silver plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States or Canada. Wm. A. Rogers was primarily based in New York and later Ontario under Oneida’s ownership.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Traditional (c. 1940-1960). It reflects a revivalist interest in Georgian and Victorian English silver design common in post-war American homes.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930s-1950s. The typography of the 'English Reproduction' stamp and the model number format are indicative of 20th-century mass production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'luxury' goods in the 20th century, where middle-class families used silver-plated reproductions to signify social status and hospitality.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There are significant surface scratches and 'swirls' from improper cleaning or heavy use. No deep pitting or 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) is immediately visible in this section, but the solder joint shows minor wear.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $45.00 USD. Silver-plated hollowware from this era has low intrinsic metal value and is priced based on its decorative utility.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive polishes or 'silver dips' which can strip the thin layer of silver plating and expose the yellowish base metal.
Similar Pieces
International Silver Co. 'Countess' pattern or Reed & Barton silver-plated trays. These differ by maker's mark and specific scrollwork details.
Interesting Facts
The 'Wm. A. Rogers' name was so commercially successful that it was involved in several legal disputes over the use of the 'Rogers' name, which was synonymous with quality American silver plate.