International Silver Rogers Silverplate 3-Tine Cold Meat Serving Fork
Flatware - Serving Piece (Cold Meat Fork) · International Silver Co. under the Rogers brand. International Silver was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by merging several independent New England silversmiths.
Pattern: Likely a 20th-century floral-scroll variation, possibly related to the 'Grape' or 'Victorian' influenced motifs common in mid-century silverplate collections.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (Cold Meat Fork)
Maker
International Silver Co. under the Rogers brand. International Silver was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by merging several independent New England silversmiths.
Material
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This is a base metal (typically a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) coated in a thin layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Dimensions
Estimated length 8-9 inches (standard for cold meat forks); estimated weight 60-85 grams. The wide head allows for serving larger slices of deli meat, ham, or roast beef.
Description
A sturdy and ornate silverplate cold meat fork featuring a classic floral-scroll pattern. This utilitarian piece combines the formality of traditional silver design with the durability of modern industrial manufacturing, intended for domestic dining sets.
Key Features
Three-tine configuration; wide serving basin; floral/scroll 'fiddle' handle; 'KOREA' stamp; Rogers brand name which is one of the most prolific names in American silverplate history.
Material & Composition
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This is a base metal (typically a copper-nickel-zinc alloy) coated in a thin layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
The item features a satin to mirror-polish finish with repoussé-style floral and scroll relief on the handle. It exhibits a classic Rococo-revival aesthetic common in mid-century American silverplate.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible stamps on the reverse neck: 'ROGERS' (referring to the historic brand) and 'KOREA' indicating the manufacturing secondary location or late-period outsourcing. It lacks the 'Sterling' or '.925' marks.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via die-striking. The pattern is pressed into the metal using high-pressure steel dies, followed by electroplating and buffing.
Functional Features
Features three broad, sharp tines designed specifically for piercing and lifting cold sliced meats without tearing. The curved shoulders of the tines help support the weight of the slice.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated with the head. It features a flared 'fiddle' or 'terminal' shape with decorative edges to provide a secure grip during serving.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial quality. The pattern is clean but lacks the deep, crisp hand-chasing of high-end sterling. The electroplating is uniform, indicating a modern chemical bath process.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Rogers' stamp is authentic for mass-produced silverplate; the 'Korea' stamp confirms it is not an antique 19th-century piece; the absence of a 'Sterling' mark confirms it is plated.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed in the USA by International Silver, manufactured in South Korea. This reflects the globalization of flatware production in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Era & Period
Modern / Mid-to-Late 20th Century. While it uses Victorian-style motifs, the 'Korea' stamp indicates it is a more recent mass-market production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1990. The hallmark style and country of origin are consistent with late production runs for the Rogers brand under International Silver.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in American households, where 'silver' sets were made affordable for the middle class through silverplating and international mass production.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Displays surface scratching and 'silver cleaning' swirl marks. No significant 'plate loss' (bleeding) is visible where the base metal shows through, though light tarnish is present in the crevices.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. Value is purely functional/replacement value as a 'filler' piece for a set, as silverplate has no scrap value and this specific late production is common.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Avoid dishwasher use, as high heat and detergent can wear away the thin silver plating quickly.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community Silverplate Cold Meat Forks; Reed & Barton Heritage pieces. Unlike sterling versions of these patterns, this piece is much lighter and lacks intrinsic metal value.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Rogers' was so prestigious that over a dozen different companies used it in the 19th century to boost sales, leading to some of the first major trademark lawsuits in the American silver industry.