1847 Rogers Bros. Silver Plated Flatware Piece
Flatware · 1847 Rogers Bros., a brand of the International Silver Company (since 1898). The Rogers brothers (Asa, William, and Simeon) were pioneers of the electroplating process in the United States starting in Hartford, Connecticut.
Pattern: Likely 'First Love' (c. 1937) or similar floral/scroll pattern based on the visible foliate engraving; the brand produced hundreds of patterns including the famous 'Charter Oak' and 'Vintage'.
Type
Flatware
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros., a brand of the International Silver Company (since 1898). The Rogers brothers (Asa, William, and Simeon) were pioneers of the electroplating process in the United States starting in Hartford, Connecticut.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The base metal is typically a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Dimensions
Standard flatware dimensions (approx. 15-20cm depending on piece type). Weight is heavier than sterling due to the nickel silver base, typically 40-60 grams for a teaspoon.
Description
A classic example of American electroplated flatware. 1847 Rogers Bros. brought the luxury of silver designs to the American middle class. This piece shows the characteristic deep-stamped logo and the 'AI' quality designation which helped the brand dominate the market for decades.
Key Features
The '1847 ROGERS BROS' trademark, the 'AI' quality mark, and the circular sun/star symbol often found at the base of the stamp.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The base metal is typically a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with relief-molded scrollwork and floral decoration. The image shows a matte texture in recessed areas, likely caused by tarnish or wear, with bright highlights on raised scrolls.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '1847 ROGERS BROS AI'. The 'AI' is a quality mark indicating 'Extra Plate' (a higher grade of plating), and the '1847' refers to the year the process was perfected, not the year of manufacture.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a sheet of nickel silver and then electroplated. This was a mass-production technique developed in the mid-19th century to make silver-like products affordable.
Functional Features
Single-piece construction with a reinforced neck transitioning from the handle to the bowl or tines; 'AI' grade signifies extra silver at wear points.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated with the head of the piece. The design features a flared terminal with scrolled edges for ergonomic grip and aesthetic appeal.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing. The die-striking is crisp, the plating is durable, and the finishing is consistent with mid-market standards of the 20th century.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of '1847 ROGERS BROS' clearly identifies this as silver plate rather than sterling silver, as Rogers Bros sterling is marked 'STERLING' and usually follows different pattern lines.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, by the International Silver Company factories.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (likely 1930s-1950s) based on the specific 'AI' stamping style and the fluid, transitional floral-scroll design common in that era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1935-1950. The '1847' mark is the trademark used for over a century; the specific font and finish suggest mid-century production.
Cultural Significance
Iconic 'Sunday Best' flatware for the American family. 1847 Rogers Bros. transformed silver from an aristocratic luxury into an accessible status symbol for the suburban household.
Condition Notes
Good condition but shows 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) in high-friction areas around the stamp. Moderate tarnish and surface scratching consistent with frequent drawer storage.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $10.00 per piece. Silver plate has very low resale value compared to sterling, though complete sets in popular patterns like 'First Love' or 'Vintage' can sell for $100-$300.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing, as this will eventually strip the thin silver layer and reveal the yellowish nickel base (bleeding).
Similar Pieces
William Rogers, Rogers & Son, and Rogers & Bro. these are often confused but were different companies (some related, some competitors) that were eventually absorbed into International Silver Co.
Interesting Facts
Despite the '1847' in the name, the company was the largest manufacturer of silver plate in the world during the early 20th century. The TV show 'Bewitched' famously featured 1847 Rogers Bros. patterns in its advertising.