Wm. Rogers & Son Silver Plate Oval Soup Spoon
Flatware, Spoon · Wm. Rogers & Son, a brand of the International Silver Company. Founded in 1856 by William Rogers and his son, it became one of the most prolific American silver plate manufacturers.
Pattern: Unknown pattern; features a plain, unadorned neck and simple oval bowl consistent with standard early-to-mid 20th-century commercial or household designs.
Type
Flatware, Spoon
Maker
Wm. Rogers & Son, a brand of the International Silver Company. Founded in 1856 by William Rogers and his son, it became one of the most prolific American silver plate manufacturers.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy with a microscopic layer of pure silver electroplated on the surface.
Dimensions
Approximately 6.75 to 7.25 inches in length. Standard weight for a plated steel or nickel silver core spoon, roughly 45-55 grams.
Description
A clean example of American silver-plated flatware, this Wm. Rogers & Son spoon represents the democratization of silver for the middle-class American household. It features a bright, reflective oval bowl and a sturdy, unpretentious handle design.
Key Features
The 'Wm. ROGERS' stamp is the primary identifier. The lack of 'Sterling' markings and the visible wear patterns indicate high-quality silver plate rather than solid silver.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy with a microscopic layer of pure silver electroplated on the surface.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on the bowl exterior. The decoration is minimal, typical of mass-produced mid-market flatware designed for utility.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the reverse of the handle: 'Wm. ROGERS' followed by an eagle and star symbol (common for this brand) and potentially 'IS' or 'SON'. No sterling (.925) purity mark is present.
Construction Details
Machine-made, die-struck from a single sheet of nickel silver and then electroplated in a large-scale industrial factory setting.
Functional Features
Deep, oval-shaped bowl designed specifically for soups, stews, or general dessert consumption.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle, continuous with the bowl, slightly flared at the terminal (though the terminal is obscured in the image).
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial grade. Machine-struck with clean edges and consistent proportions, lacking the individual character of hand-raised or hand-chased silver.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic factory-stamped hallmark of the Wm. Rogers brand. The 'brassy' or 'grey' undertone in areas of wear and the specific font of the stamp are consistent with mid-20th-century plated goods.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, by the International Silver Co. under the Wm. Rogers & Son brand name.
Era & Period
Modern/Industrial Era, likely Mid-Century (1930s-1950s) based on the stamp style and machine-finished appearance.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930–1960. The marking style was used extensively following the consolidation into International Silver.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from silver as a luxury heirloom to silver plate as a standard household utility for everyday family dining in the post-Industrial Revolution era.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good condition. Significant surface scratches and 'flea bites' consistent with use and storage. Notable tarnish developing on the edges and neck. No silver loss (bleeding) is immediately visible in the image.
Value Estimate
$1.00 to $5.00 USD. Silver-plated individual pieces have very low resale value and are usually sold in bulk lots or as replacements for existing sets.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild dish soap and water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) only when necessary. Avoid automatic dishwashers, as the heat and detergents can cause the plating to peel or bubble over time.
Similar Pieces
Gorham (Plated lines), Oneida/Community Plate, and Reed & Barton plated ware. Different from 'Wm. A. Rogers' or '1847 Rogers Bros', which were separate brands under the same parent company.
Interesting Facts
The Rogers brothers were pioneers of the electroplating process in America, and because so many different 'Rogers' relatives started companies, there were over 100 different Rogers-brand trademarks in circulation, leading to significant consumer confusion.