Wm. A. Rogers Silverplate Teaspoon by Oneida Ltd.
Flatware (Teaspoon) · Wm. A. Rogers (acquired and produced by Oneida Ltd.), a well-known American silverplate manufacturer recognized for producing affordable, quality tableware for everyday households.
Pattern: Standard utilitarian pattern, widely distributed throughout the mid-20th century.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
Wm. A. Rogers (acquired and produced by Oneida Ltd.), a well-known American silverplate manufacturer recognized for producing affordable, quality tableware for everyday households.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (typically a nickel-silver alloy known as EPNS or white metal core under electroplated silver).
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size, approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in length, weighing around 20-30 grams.
Description
A classic mid-century silverplated teaspoon bearing the Wm. A. Rogers and Oneida Ltd. maker's marks. It features a bright polished finish, a standard teardrop bowl, and a sturdy handle designed for everyday dining utility. The piece displays characteristic light tarnish and minor surface wear indicative of vintage domestic use.
Key Features
Clear manufacturer stamp showing both the Wm. A. Rogers historical brand name and Oneida Ltd. corporate attribution.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (typically a nickel-silver alloy known as EPNS or white metal core under electroplated silver).
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish on the bowl with minimal or standard handle profiling; utilitarian finish designed for everyday durability.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the reverse of the handle: "WM. A. ROGERS" and "ONEIDA LTD.", indicating standard mid-century commercial silverplate production.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured, die-struck from a base metal blank and subsequently electroplated with a thin layer of silver.
Functional Features
Designed for stirring tea, coffee, or consuming small desserts; standard bowl and handle geometry for domestic use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid base metal handle with silver plating, featuring a simple tapered shape optimized for a comfortable daily grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial die-struck manufacture with uniform electroplated finish, prioritizing durability and low cost over hand-crafted artistry.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic commercial stamping reading "WM. A. ROGERS ONEIDA LTD." consistent with mid-20th-century mass-market flatware production standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in the United States by Oneida Ltd., carrying on the Wm. A. Rogers brand tradition.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Era (c. 1940s-1960s), reflecting mass-market production of silverplated tableware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940s-1960s, based on the specific Oneida Ltd. partnership stamp style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of silver-appearance tableware in mid-20th-century American homes, making elegant table settings accessible to average families.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Shows light tarnish (sulfide deposits), minor micro-scratches from washing and use, but with no base metal bleed-through or structural damage.
Value Estimate
Low market value, typically ranging from $2 to $5 USD per individual spoon on the secondary antique/thrift market, primarily valued for practical use or craft projects rather than precious metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Wash by hand in warm soapy water with a mild detergent and dry immediately with a soft cloth. Use a gentle silver polish or specialized polishing cloth periodically to remove tarnish. Avoid automatic dishwashers.
Similar Pieces
Similar silverplate teaspoons by International Silver, Holmes & Edwards, or Oneida community lines.
Interesting Facts
The Wm. A. Rogers trademark was originally established by William A. Rogers in the late 19th century as a competitor to Rogers & Brother and eventually became a prominent budget-friendly brand under the Oneida Ltd. umbrella.