Mid-Century Modern Silverplated Teaspoon by Wm. Rogers & Son
Flatware - Teaspoon · Wm. Rogers & Son (An International Silver Co. brand). Founded in the mid-19th century, this mark was acquired by International Silver in 1898 and used for their silverplate lines.
Pattern: Likely 'Victorian Rose' or a similar mid-century floral/scroll motif pattern introduced between 1940 and 1960. These patterns were high-volume consumer favorites.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
Wm. Rogers & Son (An International Silver Co. brand). Founded in the mid-19th century, this mark was acquired by International Silver in 1898 and used for their silverplate lines.
Material
Silverplate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The item consists of a base metal (usually nickel, copper, and zinc alloy) coated with a thin layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size; approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in length. Weight is approximately 30-35 grams.
Description
This is a classic example of American mid-century silverplated flatware. Designed for the burgeoning middle class, these pieces offered the look of luxury sterling silver at an affordable price point. Featuring a floral bouquet at the tip and neck, it embodies the conservative 'homemaker' aesthetic of the 1950s.
Key Features
Floral relief pattern, rounded ovate bowl, 'Wm. Rogers' brand mark (anticipated), and absence of sterling hallmarks.
Material & Composition
Silverplate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The item consists of a base metal (usually nickel, copper, and zinc alloy) coated with a thin layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish with a floral and scroll motif at the neck and terminal of the handle. Decorative style is a mass-produced take on Neo-Rococo or 'Traditional' American mid-century aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped 'WM. ROGERS & SON' or 'IS' (International Silver) on the reverse of the handle. It will lack the 'Sterling' mark or '.925' fineness stamp.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck. This is a mass-produced industrial piece where the pattern is pressed into the metal using high-pressure dies before the silverplating process.
Functional Features
Ovate bowl for stirring and scooping; flared handle terminal for ergonomic grip. Simple, durable design meant for daily household use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated with the bowl (one-piece construction). Shaped with a slight flare at the end to accommodate the decorative floral relief.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; the piece shows crisp die-work but lacks the hand-chasing or 'heft' associated with premium sterling silver or boutique silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of 'Sterling' marks and the specific style of the floral stamping are primary indicators of 20th-century silverplate rather than solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; likely manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, the central hub for the International Silver Company factories.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern Era (c. 1940-1960). While the pattern is traditional, the manufacturing and mass-market distribution are characteristic of this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1955. The style of the floral scroll and the blurry silhouette suggest a post-WWII boom production piece.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining in the 20th century, where silverplated sets became standard wedding gifts for millions of families.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scratches and significant blurring suggest heavy use. Potential 'plate loss' or 'bleeding' (where base metal shows through) may be present at high points of the decoration.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $5.00 USD. Silverplated teaspoons of this era are common and usually sold in bulk or used as 'fillers' for incomplete sets.
Care & Maintenance
Wash by hand with mild soap; avoid the dishwasher as high heat and harsh detergents can strip the thin silver plating. Use a gentle cream polish like Wright's Silver Cream.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community Plate, 1847 Rogers Bros 'First Love' pattern, or Gorham silverplate lines. These differ mainly in the specific floral arrangement of the die-stamp.
Interesting Facts
The 'Rogers' name was so synonymous with quality in the 19th century that dozens of companies added 'Rogers' to their name to confuse buyers, leading to significant legal battles in silver history.