International Silver Rogers Brother IS Silver Plate Dessert/Salad Fork
Flatware (Dessert or Salad Fork) · Rogers Brothers, a famous American silver plate brand produced by International Silver Co. Founded in the mid-19th century, Rogers is synonymous with high-quality electroplated flatware in the USA.
Pattern: Unidentified Threaded/Linear pattern; similar in style to 'Century' or Art Deco-inspired designs from the mid-20th century.
Type
Flatware (Dessert or Salad Fork)
Maker
Rogers Brothers, a famous American silver plate brand produced by International Silver Co. Founded in the mid-19th century, Rogers is synonymous with high-quality electroplated flatware in the USA.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 6.5 to 7.0 inches. Weight is approximately 35-45 grams. It appears to be a standard luncheon or salad size fork.
Description
This is a functional and sturdy silver-plated fork from the historic Rogers line of the International Silver Company. Featuring a streamlined, threaded border design, it represents the transition from Art Deco elegance to Mid-Century utility. It is an 'everyday' luxury item intended for American middle-class dining rooms of the 1950s.
Key Features
The 'IS' International Silver logo and 'ROGERS' stamp; the wide-shouldered tines; and the recessed linear border on the handle terminal.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished finish with linear thread borders along the handle (Fiddle or Tapered style). Minimalist, geometric decoration consistent with mid-century modern or late Art Deco aesthetics.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'IS' for International Silver and 'ROGERS' along the back of the neck. There is an additional small number or mark visible on the back of the bowl/tines area, often used for factory identification.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a sheet of nickel silver, then electroplated. Machine-manufactured with uniform thickness and industrial precision.
Functional Features
Four-tined design with a broad, flat bowl area; designed for cutting soft foods (like cake or salad) with the outer tine edge.
Handle & Grip Details
Flat, solid handle with a flared terminal. The 'threaded' border provides a slight tactile grip. Integrated construction (handle and tines are one piece).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. High-pressure die-striking results in crisp pattern lines, though it lacks the hand-finished depth of high-end sterling service.
Authentication Indicators
The 'IS' mark is the industry standard for International Silver's plated lines. The lack of the word 'Sterling' or '.925' confirms it is silver plate rather than solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Most likely manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, the historic hub of the International Silver Company.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1940-1960). The clean lines and lack of ornate floral repoussé indicate a shift toward streamlined 20th-century design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1955. The 'IS' mark logo style and the handle silhouette are typical of post-WWII American mass-produced flatware.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'silver' in America, where electroplating allowed middle-class families to own formal-looking flatware that mimicked the appearance of solid sterling.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is visible surface oxidation (tarnish) and light 'plate loss' or wear on the back of the tines. Fine surface scratches (patina) consistent with regular use and storage in a drawer.
Value Estimate
$3.00 - $8.00 USD. Silver-plated individual pieces have low intrinsic metal value but are sold for pattern matching to collectors completing sets.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive pads which will strip the thin silver layer and expose the yellowish nickel-silver base metal underneath.
Similar Pieces
Gorham Silver Plate, Oneida Community Plate, or Reed & Barton Silver Plate. Differences lie primarily in the specific pattern motifs and the weight/thickness of the plating.
Interesting Facts
The 'Rogers' name was so valuable in the early 20th century that many different companies fought for the right to use it, leading to dozens of 'Rogers' brands (Wm. Rogers, Rogers & Bro, etc.), eventually consolidated by IS.