1847 Rogers Bros. Heritage Pattern Silver-Plated Flatware
Flatware - Likely a fork or spoon based on neck taper · 1847 Rogers Bros., a flagship brand of the International Silver Company (IS). Rogers Bros. is globally famous for pioneering the electroplating process in the United States in Hartford, Connecticut.
Pattern: Heritage Pattern, introduced in 1953. It was a highly successful mid-century pattern designed with neo-Victorian floral elements and is currently discontinued.
Type
Flatware - Likely a fork or spoon based on neck taper
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros., a flagship brand of the International Silver Company (IS). Rogers Bros. is globally famous for pioneering the electroplating process in the United States in Hartford, Connecticut.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This item features a base metal (typically an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc) that has been thin-coated with pure silver via electro-deposition.
Dimensions
Standard dining dimensions (likely 6-7 inches depending on specific piece type). Silver plate is generally heavier and denser than sterling but possesses no scrap value beyond its base metal.
Description
A classic example of 1950s Americana dining, the Heritage pattern by 1847 Rogers Bros. captures the essence of post-war suburban luxury. Its intricate floral motifs provide a heavy, substantial feel in the hand, mimicking the look of solid sterling at a price point accessible to the mounting middle class of the era.
Key Features
Script 'Heritage' stamp, 'IS' corporate logo, and the iconic '1847' date which refers to the founding of the Rogers brand, not the year the piece was made.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This item features a base metal (typically an alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc) that has been thin-coated with pure silver via electro-deposition.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with ornate floral and leaf scrollwork in a raised relief style typical of the Mid-Century traditional revival. The pattern name is stamped in a script font on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '1847 ROGERS BROS.' (the brand name), followed by the 'IS' (International Silver) logo in block letters, and the pattern name 'Heritage' in script.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck. This was mass-produced using industrial presses to ensure uniformity across thousands of sets during the high-demand post-WWII era.
Functional Features
Standard dining utility with reinforced tines or bowl. The ergonomic taper at the neck is designed for balanced handling during formal dining.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated with the head. The back of the handle is flat to allow the piece to sit level on the table.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-work. The 'IS' mark indicates it was produced to the highest standards of the International Silver Company's silver-plate division, featuring clean edges and balanced weight.
Authentication Indicators
The stamps are crisp and consistent with mid-20th-century industrial marking. As a silver-plated item, it lacks the 'Sterling' or '.925' mark required for solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Manufactured in the massive production facilities of the International Silver Company, which once produced the majority of American household silverware.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Traditional Revival). Produced starting in 1953, reflecting a return to ornate, Romantic-era aesthetics following the austerity of the 1940s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1953-1965. Based on the hallmark style and the release date of the Heritage pattern.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of American silver plate, where every bridal registry featured a heavy 1847 Rogers Bros. set. It reflects the 1950s social emphasis on formal hosting and domestic presentation.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible light surface scratches (swirls) from cleaning. No 'plate loss' or 'heel wear' visible in the image, though the blue-green tint in the lettering suggests light tarnish or leftover polishing residue.
Value Estimate
$3 - $10 USD per individual piece. Value is based on utility for those completing sets rather than metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Wash by hand with mild soap and dry immediately. Use a gentle cream polish like Wright's. Avoid the dishwasher, as high heat and harsh detergents can eventually cause the silver layer to peel or 'thin out'.
Similar Pieces
1847 Rogers Bros. 'Flair' (modernist) or 'Daffodil' (floral). Comparable to Oneida Community Plate or Reed & Barton silver-plated lines.
Interesting Facts
The '1847' in the brand name is one of the most confusing marks for novice collectors, who often mistake it for a production date; it actually commemorates the year the Rogers brothers perfected their plating process.