International Silver Co. Rogers Sterling Silver Teaspoon
Flatware (Teaspoon) · International Silver Company under the Rogers brand. International Silver was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by merging several independent silversmiths. The Rogers name is one of the most famous in American silver, though it was used by numerous entities through the 19th and 20th centuries.
Pattern: Unidentified simple mid-20th-century pattern featuring a subtle double-thread or stepped border along the handle edge. This style was common for production-line sterling intended for middle-market retail.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
International Silver Company under the Rogers brand. International Silver was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by merging several independent silversmiths. The Rogers name is one of the most famous in American silver, though it was used by numerous entities through the 19th and 20th centuries.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for strength. Unlike silver plate, this piece is solid sterling throughout.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 6 inches (approx. 15.2 cm). Typical weight for a standard teaspoon of this gauge: 25 to 35 grams (0.8 to 1.1 troy ounces).
Description
This is a classic American sterling silver teaspoon produced by International Silver under the Rogers brand. It represents the quintessential mid-century suburban silver service, emphasizing clean lines and the inherent value of the metal over complex ornamentation. The piece is balanced and sturdy, displaying the natural warm luster of .925 silver.
Key Features
The 'ROGERS' name coupled with the 'STERLING' stamp; the simple thread-border design; the industrial die-struck construction; and the lack of a monogram, which preserves its versatility for collectors.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The alloy contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for strength. Unlike silver plate, this piece is solid sterling throughout.
Finish & Decoration
Satin to mirror polish finish with minimal decoration. The style is classic and utilitarian, lacking the ornate repoussé or chasing found in more expensive patterns. It features a plain spatulate handle with a slight raised edge molding.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse of the handle is stamped with 'ROGERS STERLING'. The presence of the word 'Sterling' without the fractional .925 indicates an American manufacture, likely post-1940. The Rogers mark here represents the mass-market sterling line of International Silver.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured and die-struck. This piece was stamped from a sterling silver sheet using heavy industrial presses. The edges have been machine-buffed and polished.
Functional Features
Standard oval bowl for stirring and eating. Designed for durability and daily use rather than formal display. There are no mechanical or removable parts.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle, integral to the bowl (unitary construction). The handle flares slightly at the end for ergonomic grip. It is not weighted or filled.
Craftsmanship Details
Solid commercial-grade manufacturing. While not hand-wrought, the die-striking is crisp and the polishing is uniform, reflecting the high standards of American industrial silversmithing at its peak.
Authentication Indicators
The 'STERLING' stamp is the primary indicator of metal purity. The wear patterns on the back of the bowl (where it touches the table) and the sharpness of the stamped lettering are consistent with genuine mid-century flatware rather than a modern cast reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, likely Meriden or Bridgeport, Connecticut. This was the hub of the American silver industry during this period.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960). The simplified lines and mass-production hallmarks are characteristic of the post-WWII American silver boom.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1955. The style of the 'Sterling' stamp and the specific minimalist pattern are consistent with this decade.
Cultural Significance
This piece reflects the mid-20th-century American tradition of 'Sunday Silver'—sets that were affordable for the growing middle class but still signified status and household longevity through the use of solid precious metal.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good condition. The surface shows light 'use marks' (fine scratches consistent with age). There is visible tarnish/oxidization in the crevices of the handle stamping and under the bowl. No major dents or thinning of the bowl tip are visible.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $45.00 USD. The value is largely driven by its silver melt weight (approx. $20-$25) with a small premium for the pattern and 'ready-to-use' condition.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; dry immediately to prevent water spots. Use a high-quality silver cream (like Wright's) for occasional polishing. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth (Pacific Silvercloth) to minimize the need for abrasive cleaning.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Camellia', Wallace 'Rose Point' (though more ornate), or International Silver's 'Prelude'. Comparable in value to other mid-range American sterling teaspoons from the same era.
Interesting Facts
The Rogers family of silversmiths was so successful that dozens of companies tried to use the 'Rogers' name in the early 1900s, leading to significant legal battles that were eventually consolidated under International Silver Co.