Wm. A. Rogers Silver Plate Hollowware Piece
Hollowware (likely a tray, platter, or bowl base) · Wm. A. Rogers, a prolific American silver plate manufacturer founded in the late 19th century in New York. The brand was eventually absorbed by Oneida Ltd. in 1929.
Pattern: Unidentified circular/plain pattern; typical of early 20th-century mass-market silver plate.
Type
Hollowware (likely a tray, platter, or bowl base)
Maker
Wm. A. Rogers, a prolific American silver plate manufacturer founded in the late 19th century in New York. The brand was eventually absorbed by Oneida Ltd. in 1929.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS); a thin layer of silver over a base metal (likely copper or nickel alloy).
Dimensions
Undetermined from image; likely standard serving size (approx. 8-12 inches diameter) with standard hollowware weight for plated goods.
Description
A utilitarian silver-plated hollowware piece by Wm. A. Rogers featuring a central manufacturer's stamp. The item shows significant signs of age and use, with a patina typical of silver plate that has been stored in a high-sulfur environment.
Key Features
Incised block-letter maker's mark; lack of 'Eagle and Star' mark (often associated with later Rogers production).
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS); a thin layer of silver over a base metal (likely copper or nickel alloy).
Finish & Decoration
Originally mirror-polished; currently exhibits heavy oxidation, surface scratching, and circular brushing consistent with machine-polishing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'WM. A. ROGERS' in a sans-serif block typeface. Lack of 'Sterling' or purity marks indicates silver plated composition.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and spun construction; mass-produced at a large factory scale.
Functional Features
Flat or slightly concave surface designed for service or containment of dry goods/liquids.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible in crop; likely a rimmed edge or pedestal base.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial grade quality; features machine-stamped marks and standardized industrial finishing.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp is consistent with genuine Wm. A. Rogers production from the early 20th century. Wear patterns are consistent with soft silver plating over base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (likely New York or Oneida, NY facilities); Industrial American silver manufacturing traditions.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century (pre-1929 acquisition period or early Oneida era).
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1940.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'silver' for the middle-class American household during the Industrial Revolution.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Heavy surface scratching, significant tarnish/sulfide deposits, and potential 'bleeding' (copper showing through thin silver plating).
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $20.00 USD (primarily decorative/utilitarian value; silver plate of this type has negligible bullion value).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap; use non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid excessive polishing, as the silver layer is thin and may wear down to the base metal.
Similar Pieces
1847 Rogers Bros. (higher quality), International Silver Co. plated lines, and various Oneida patterns.
Interesting Facts
Wm. A. Rogers was often confused with the original Rogers Bros., a fact the company capitalized on for marketing before the Oneida consolidation.