Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co. Silverplated Spoon
Flatware - Spoon · Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co. (William Rogers Manufacturing Company), a prominent American silver plating company later integrated into the International Silver Co., known for mass-producing accessible silverplated tableware.
Pattern: Unidentified standard commercial pattern, likely late 19th or early 20th century production, widely distributed for everyday household use.
Type
Flatware - Spoon
Maker
Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co. (William Rogers Manufacturing Company), a prominent American silver plating company later integrated into the International Silver Co., known for mass-producing accessible silverplated tableware.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), consisting of a base metal alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc coated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Dimensions
Standard spoon dimensions, estimated length approximately 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) for a teaspoon or tablespoon variant, with weight typical of silverplated flatware.
Description
A classic antique American silverplated spoon bearing the distinct stamps of the Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co. The piece displays a tapering handle with subtle linear detailing along the borders, showing typical signs of age and tarnishing consistent with historical silverplate.
Key Features
Clear, deeply impressed maker's stamps reading "WM. ROGERS MFG. CO." and "ORIGINAL ROGERS", serving as diagnostic identifiers for American silverplate history.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), consisting of a base metal alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc coated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Finish & Decoration
Standard commercial polish with subtle decorative lines running along the handle, reflecting simple utilitarian styling typical of late Victorian or Edwardian utilitarian flatware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Impressed maker's marks reading "WM. ROGERS MFG. CO." and an additional "ORIGINAL ROGERS" stamp, which were standard trademarks used to denote the Rogers lineage of silverplate.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via die-striking from a base metal alloy sheet, followed by electroplating in a silver bath and hand or machine finishing.
Functional Features
Standard utility spoon for dining or serving, featuring an ergonomic handle stem designed for everyday household utility.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silverplated metal handle featuring a tapered shape with raised borders along the edges for grip and rigidity.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial mass-produced item exhibiting clean die-struck lines and standard commercial electroplating techniques of the era.
Authentication Indicators
The font, lettering style, and relative placement of the "WM. ROGERS MFG. CO." and "ORIGINAL ROGERS" stamps match authentic late 19th/early 20th-century American electroplate marking conventions.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, manufactured by the William Rogers Manufacturing Company, heavily tied to the historic silversmithing hub of Hartford and Meriden, Connecticut.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early 20th Century (circa 1880-1920), indicated by the specific formatting of the Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co. trademark stamps.
Age Estimate
Circa 1885-1915, based on the typography and trademark combinations stamped into the back of the handle stem.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of dining ware during the Industrial Revolution, allowing middle-class households to set tables that visually mimicked wealthy sterling silver displays.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good antique condition. Moderate tarnish, surface hairline scratches, and minor signs of base metal breakthrough or wear plating typical of heavily used or cleaned silverplate.
Value Estimate
Low market value (typically $5 to $15 USD), primarily valued as a historical collectible, craft supply, or individual replacement piece rather than precious metal bullion.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a mild liquid dish soap and warm water, or use a specialized silver cream designed for silverplate to avoid scrubbing through the thin plated layer.
Similar Pieces
Similar silverplated flatware items produced by 19th-century American makers such as 1847 Rogers Bros, Holmes & Edwards, and Oneida.
Interesting Facts
The Rogers family name became synonymous with American silver plating, leading to numerous legal battles and multiple companies using the "Rogers" name, requiring careful study of the accompanying trademarks.