1847 Rogers Bros. King Edward Pattern Silverplate Casserole/Berry Spoon and Assorted Flatware
Flatware (Serving Pieces) · 1847 Rogers Bros., a brand of the International Silver Company (ISCO). Founded by the Rogers brothers in Hartford, Connecticut, the brand became the most prestigious name in American silverplate during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Pattern: King Edward (1936 introduction) for the large spoon; others are undecorated or mismatched patterns including a heraldic sugar tong.
Type
Flatware (Serving Pieces)
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros., a brand of the International Silver Company (ISCO). Founded by the Rogers brothers in Hartford, Connecticut, the brand became the most prestigious name in American silverplate during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The 'A1' stamp on the handle indicates a high standard of plating thickness (Extra Plate). Base metal is likely a copper-nickel-zinc alloy.
Dimensions
Berry spoon: approx. 8.5 to 9 inches long; estimated weight 80-100 grams. Tongs: 4-5 inches.
Description
A collection of American silver-plated service pieces featuring the iconic King Edward pattern by 1847 Rogers Bros. The serving spoon is characterized by its ornate, shell-like bowl and floral relief work, representing the late-Depression era's preference for traditional luxury. Accompanying the spoon is a set of heraldic sugar tongs featuring a detailed crest with birds and a shield, typical of Victorian-revival tea accessories.
Key Features
The '1847' date refers to the founding of the Rogers brand, not the manufacture date of the piece; the 'AI' quality mark; the distinctively worked scalloped bowl.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The 'A1' stamp on the handle indicates a high standard of plating thickness (Extra Plate). Base metal is likely a copper-nickel-zinc alloy.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished bowl with repoussé-style floral and shell scrollwork typical of the King Edward pattern. The sugar tongs feature a heraldic crest with dual griffins and a shield.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'1847 ROGERS BROS. AI' is clearly visible on the handle spine. This indicates the manufacturer and the plating quality (AI = Extra Plate). The sugar tongs feature a small rectangular mark with 'XIII' or similar Roman numerals near the spring hinge.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck production. The large spoon is a single piece of stamped metal (monobloc), while the tongs are coiled spring-form.
Functional Features
Deep, scalloped bowl on the serving spoon designed for berries, casseroles, or side dishes. Spring-tension mechanism on the sugar tongs for grasping small cubes.
Handle & Grip Details
Silver-plated base metal handles. The serving spoon features a fiddle-shaped handle with flared terminal; the tongs feature a ring-grip and lion-paw or acorn-style tips.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing. Die-syncing is precise, providing sharp detail in the floral motifs despite being a mass-produced plated item.
Authentication Indicators
Bold, crisp machine-stamped manufacturer name and A1 mark; consistent wear patterns; lack of 'Sterling' mark confirms it as silverplate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Manufactured in the massive factories of the International Silver Company.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern era (1936-1950s context). Though the pattern is traditionally styled, it was released to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VIII.
Age Estimate
Circa 1936-1945 based on the pattern introduction and the specific '1847 Rogers' stamp format.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th-century American trend of 'Sunday Best' dining, where middle-class families sought the look of solid silver at an accessible price point through high-quality plating.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Visible surface scratches (stacking marks) and moderate tarnish (patina). No clear 'bleed' (base metal showing through silver), though edges show minor wear. Overall structurally sound.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD for the group. Individual 1847 Rogers serving pieces of this pattern typically retail for $10-$20 at antique malls.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and warm water. For tarnish, use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid automated dishwashers as the heat and detergents will strip the silver plating over time.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' (Sterling version), Reed & Barton 'Francis I' (similar ornate style), or other 1847 Rogers patterns like 'First Love' or 'Adoration'.
Interesting Facts
The 'King Edward' pattern was launched in 1936 but faced a marketing crisis when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne later that year; however, the pattern remained a top seller for decades.