International Silver Co. Rogers Extra Plate Silverplated Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon · International Silver Co., specifically under the 'Rogers' brand. The Rogers name is one of the most famous in American silver history, established by the Rogers brothers in the 1840s and consolidated into International Silver in 1898. They were renowned for high-quality silverplated goods intended for the middle-class market.
Pattern: Streamlined Art Deco / Mid-Century Pattern (Uncertain name, likely late 1930s-1950s). This pattern features clean parallel lines following the rim of the handle, typical of the utility-focused designs of the mid-20th century.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
International Silver Co., specifically under the 'Rogers' brand. The Rogers name is one of the most famous in American silver history, established by the Rogers brothers in the 1840s and consolidated into International Silver in 1898. They were renowned for high-quality silverplated goods intended for the middle-class market.
Material
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The core is a base metal alloy (nickel, copper, and zinc) with a thin deposit of pure silver over the surface. The stamp 'Extra Plate' or 'E.P.' signifies a higher-than-standard thickness of silver plating.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size; approximately 6 to 6.25 inches (15-16 cm) in length. Estimated weight is 30-40 grams. It is a light-to-medium weight piece characteristic of everyday mass-produced flatware.
Description
This is a quintessential American silverplated teaspoon by the International Silver Company's Rogers line. Featuring a streamlined design with clean vertical lines along the handle, it represents the shift toward modernism in the mid-century home. While not solid sterling, these 'Extra Plate' pieces were marketed as lifetime heirlooms for the average family, offering the luster of silver without the prohibitive cost of solid precious metal.
Key Features
Spatulate handle shape, double-line border decoration, 'ROGERS E.P.' stamp, and a classic oval bowl. It is a 'workhorse' piece of American culinary history.
Material & Composition
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The core is a base metal alloy (nickel, copper, and zinc) with a thin deposit of pure silver over the surface. The stamp 'Extra Plate' or 'E.P.' signifies a higher-than-standard thickness of silver plating.
Finish & Decoration
Satin to mirror polish with simple linear engraving. The decoration is minimal, consisting of a double-thread border following the spatulate handle shape. It is emblematic of the Transition or late Art Deco style, focusing on aerodynamics and functionalism rather than ornate Victorian motifs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse of the handle is stamped with 'ROGERS' and 'E.P.' (frequently accompanied by 'IS' for International Silver or a specific factory number). These are trade marks rather than official government hallmarks, indicating the manufacturer and the silverplating process used.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-manufactured. The spoon was stamped from a flat sheet of base metal by a heavy drop press, then electroplated in a chemical bath. This was the standard industrial method for mass-producing affordable consumer silverware.
Functional Features
Standard oval bowl for stirring and eating. The handle is slightly flared at the end (spatulate) for comfortable gripping. Designed for high-frequency use and durability in a domestic setting.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated with the bowl (one-piece construction). The grip is smooth with rounded edges. Condition shows typical superficial scratches from stacking and use.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial quality. While not hand-wrought, the symmetry is perfect and the die-striking is crisp. International Silver maintained high standards for their plating thickness, ensuring these pieces survived decades of daily use.
Authentication Indicators
The 'E.P.' stamp is a definitive indicator of silverplate rather than sterling. The font and placement of the maker's brand are consistent with authentic mid-century International Silver production.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely Meriden, Connecticut. Meriden was the silver capital of the world during this period, housing the primary factories for International Silver Co.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1935–1955). The design reflects the 'Machine Age' aesthetic, moving away from the flourishes of the previous decade toward a more understated, modern look that could be easily cleaned and maintained.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1950. The specific stamping font and the 'E.P.' designation are highly consistent with post-WWII American plating standards.
Cultural Significance
This item represents the democratization of the dining experience in the 20th century. Silverplate allowed middle-class families to set a 'proper' table, imitating the aristocratic traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries at a fraction of the price.
Condition Notes
Good condition with visible tarnish and light surface scratches (swirls) characteristic of 'patina' from use. There are no signs of 'bleeding' (where the base metal shows through the silver), suggesting the plating remains largely intact.
Value Estimate
$1.00 – $5.00 USD. Silverplated teaspoons of this era are extremely common and are usually sold in bulk or used as replacement pieces for existing sets. Value is primarily decorative or functional.
Care & Maintenance
Wash with mild soap and warm water. To remove tarnish, use a dedicated silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or 'silver dips' which can strip the thin layer of plating over time. Store in a dry place to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community Plate, Gorham Silverplate, and Reed & Barton Silverplate. Unlike Sterling pieces (marked 'Sterling'), these similar plated items are valued primarily for their utility and sentimental value rather than melt weight.
Interesting Facts
The 'Rogers' name was so valuable in the 19th and 20th centuries that many companies sued each other over the right to use it. International Silver eventually consolidated the most legitimate Rogers brands under their corporate umbrella to end the confusion.