Wm. Rogers Silverplated Flatware Piece
Flatware (Serving Piece or Spoon) · Wm. Rogers, manufactured under the International Silver Company (indicated by the IS hallmark). Wm. Rogers is a historically significant American silverplate brand with origins tracing back to the pioneering Rogers brothers of Hartford, Connecticut, who revolutionized electroplating in the mid-19th century.
Pattern: Standard commercial pattern line by Wm. Rogers, often produced in various traditional colonial or floral revival styles popular in the early to mid-20th century.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece or Spoon)
Maker
Wm. Rogers, manufactured under the International Silver Company (indicated by the IS hallmark). Wm. Rogers is a historically significant American silverplate brand with origins tracing back to the pioneering Rogers brothers of Hartford, Connecticut, who revolutionized electroplating in the mid-19th century.
Material
Silverplated base metal, specifically Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or a similar white metal alloy base, denoted by the 'IS' (International Silver) trademark stamp.
Dimensions
Standard sizing for a domestic flatware service piece, typically weighing between 40 to 80 grams depending on the exact utensil form (spoon or fork).
Description
An authentic piece of vintage American silverplate flatware featuring the classic 'WM. ROGERS' maker's mark alongside the 'IS' stamp of the International Silver Company. The handle shows clear manufacturing stamps set into a recessed channel, exhibiting the classic construction methods of mid-century mass-produced tableware designed to bring affordable elegance to the American dining table.
Key Features
Clear, deeply stamped maker's mark showing '*WM. ROGERS*' with flanking stars and the distinct 'IS' block letters indicating production under the International Silver umbrella.
Material & Composition
Silverplated base metal, specifically Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or a similar white metal alloy base, denoted by the 'IS' (International Silver) trademark stamp.
Finish & Decoration
Standard commercial bright polish with factory finishing. Specific decorative motifs on the handle cannot be fully seen, but typical styles from this maker include floral or neoclassical revival relief work.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clearly marked with the indented rectangle cartouche reading '*WM. ROGERS*' flanked by star symbols, accompanied below by the 'IS' (International Silver Co.) hallmark in a separate rectangular stamp.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured, die-struck base metal formed under industrial presses, followed by electroplating with a thin layer of pure silver.
Functional Features
Designed for standard dining or serving use, prioritizing durability and everyday utility in middle-class American households.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral handle formed from the same base metal blank, shaped for ergonomic comfort during dining.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial-grade factory manufacturing. Die-struck blank with clean edge definition and mechanically struck hallmarks showing consistent depth and alignment.
Authentication Indicators
The punch-stamped hallmarks are crisp and deeply impressed into the metal substrate, characteristic of authentic factory production rather than modern counterfeits. The combination of the Wm. Rogers name and the IS stamp confirms post-merger International Silver manufacturing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States by the International Silver Company, which consolidated numerous New England silver and silverplate manufacturers.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (likely c. 1930s-1950s), determined by the specific style of the International Silver 'IS' combined trademark stamp.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930 to 1960, based on the typography and combination of the Wm. Rogers maker's mark and the IS trademark.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of dining wares in 20th-century America, where middle-class families could set tables that emulated the luxury of solid sterling silver using durable silverplated alternatives.
Condition Notes
Moderate tarnish with dark sulfide deposits visible in the recessed stamp areas. Surface shows signs of age-related wear, minor scratches, and potential micro-loss of the thin silver plating layer typical of vintage used flatware. Graded as Good to Very Good condition.
Value Estimate
Low market value, typically ranging from $5 to $20 USD depending on the specific form (spoon, fork, or serving piece) and overall condition, primarily valued for practical use or replacement sets rather than precious metal bullion value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a mild liquid dish soap and warm water using a soft cloth. Polish sparingly with a dedicated silver cream such as Wright's Silver Cream to avoid wearing through the thin silverplate layer. Store in anti-tarnish cloth or bags.
Similar Pieces
Similar silverplated flatware items produced by 19th- and 20th-century American makers such as Oneida, Holmes & Edwards, and 1847 Rogers Bros.
Interesting Facts
The Rogers brothers are famous for being among the first in the United States to successfully apply commercial electroplating techniques to base metal flatware, making silver-appearance tableware accessible to the average household.