1847 Rogers Bros. 'Adoration' Pattern Silverplate Spoon
Flatware (Spoon) · 1847 Rogers Bros. is a brand name of the International Silver Company (IS). Originally founded by the Rogers brothers in Hartford, Connecticut, the trademark was acquired by International Silver in 1898. They are the most famous pioneers of the electroplating process in America.
Pattern: 'Adoration' pattern, introduced in 1939 and discontinued in 1973. It was one of the brand's most successful mid-century patterns.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros. is a brand name of the International Silver Company (IS). Originally founded by the Rogers brothers in Hartford, Connecticut, the trademark was acquired by International Silver in 1898. They are the most famous pioneers of the electroplating process in America.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy which has been electrochemically coated with a thin layer of fine silver. It contains no solid silver content.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length is approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm). Weight is approximately 30-35 grams. Silverplate is generally heavier and sturdier than sterling versions.
Description
This 1847 Rogers Bros. Adoration spoon is a classic example of American mid-century table service. Characterized by a dignified floral terminal and a clean, sweeping handle, the pattern lives up to its name by offering a romantic, approachable elegance that was popular in post-WWII households.
Key Features
The '1847' date in the mark (which is the year of the technique's invention, not the spoon's age) and the distinctive 'IS' boxed logo. The floral cluster at the shoulder and terminal defines the Adoration pattern.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy which has been electrochemically coated with a thin layer of fine silver. It contains no solid silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Industrial silver plating with a floral and scroll motif at the terminal. The design features a cluster of flowers above a small fan-like shell motif, typical of the late Art Deco to early Mid-Century 'Floral' silver style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '1847 ROGERS BROS.' followed by the 'IS' (International Silver) logo in a square box. These are trade marks indicating the manufacturer and quality line, not government assay hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck. The piece is produced by high-pressure mechanical presses that stamp the pattern into a blank sheet of nickel silver, followed by industrial electro-cleaning and plating.
Functional Features
Standard flatware ergonomics of the mid-20th century; features a tapered neck and a slightly flared handle for easy gripping.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid nickel silver core with electroplated surface. The handle is integrated into the piece (not hollow) and features the 'Adoration' floral relief on the front.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing. While not hand-wrought, the die-work for the 'Adoration' pattern shows excellent detail in the floral petals and fine lines of the shell motif.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic trade stamps for International Silver; appropriate weight for EPNS flatware; wear patterns on the back of the bowl and high points of the handle are consistent with heavy usage.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, USA, which was known as the 'Silver City' due to the dominance of the International Silver Company factories.
Era & Period
Late Art Deco / early Mid-Century Modern (introduced 1939). The pattern reflects the transition from highly geometric Deco to the more naturalistic, floral 'Romantic' styles of the 1940s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1939-1955. Based on the crispness of the stamp and the 'IS' mark, this piece is likely an earlier production run from the mid-20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining in America, allowing middle-class families to own high-quality looking silver services that mimicked the appearance of expensive sterling sets.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair condition. There is visible 'brassing' (wear-through where the base metal shows through the silver) and heavy tarnish/oxidization. Surface scratches are consistent with decades of use. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $5.00 USD. Silverplate flatware has low resale value unless in a complete, pristine set with a chest; value is primarily functional or sentimental.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing, as the silver layer is very thin and can be completely removed, exposing the duller base metal underneath (bleeding). Do not put in a dishwasher.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' (Sterling alternative), Oneida 'Coronation', or 1847 Rogers Bros. 'First Love' (similar floral style).
Interesting Facts
The '1847' in the name often confuses novice collectors into thinking the piece is an antique from that year; however, it refers to the year the Rogers brothers perfected their plating process. 'Adoration' was heavily marketed to 1940s brides.