Wm. Rogers Eagle & Star Brand Silver Plate Hollowware
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or Bowl base) · Wm. Rogers, specifically the Canadian branch of the brand later integrated into International Silver Co. The Eagle and Star mark was a prestigious trademark originally established in the mid-19th century.
Pattern: Unknown specific pattern; the '55-1' is a manufacturer's model or catalog number rather than a named aesthetic pattern.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or Bowl base)
Maker
Wm. Rogers, specifically the Canadian branch of the brand later integrated into International Silver Co. The Eagle and Star mark was a prestigious trademark originally established in the mid-19th century.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The 'E.P' stands for Electro-Plate, while 'W.N' typically indicates White Metal or Nickel Silver base. It contains no solid silver content.
Dimensions
Based on model '55-1', this is likely a mid-sized serving piece or tray approximately 10-14 inches in diameter/length. Weight is characteristic of heavy-gauge nickel silver.
Description
A functional piece of Canadian-made silver plate originating from the renowned Wm. Rogers line. This item represents the transition of silver from luxury hand-craft to high-quality industrial household goods. The bottom shows honest wear and evidence of inventory tracking via hand-scribed numbers.
Key Features
The 'Eagle and Star' trademark is the primary identifier, which was used by International Silver to distinguish the Wm. Rogers line from Rogers Bros. or other Rogers-named competitors.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The 'E.P' stands for Electro-Plate, while 'W.N' typically indicates White Metal or Nickel Silver base. It contains no solid silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-finished or brushed underside with a likely polished topside. The surface shows heavy use with visible directional scratches and a light tarnish patina.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Includes the Eagle symbol, 'WM. ROGERS', and a Star symbol. It also features 'HAMILTON, CAN.' as the manufacturing site, 'E.P W.N' as the material indicator, and '55-1' as the model number. Hand-etched jeweler/pawn numbers are visible above.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck and electroplated. The crispness of the letters indicates mechanical stamping rather than hand-punching. The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy.
Functional Features
Functional as a serving vessel. The piece may have originally featured an ornate rim or chased center not visible in this underside macro shot.
Handle & Grip Details
Not visible in this view, but typical of Wm. Rogers Canadian pieces, handles would likely be cast white metal soldered to the main body before plating.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade manufacturing. The stamp is well-aligned and the 'Hamilton, Can' text indicates a proud regional manufacturer following standardized quality protocols for electroplating.
Authentication Indicators
The stamping is deep and uniform, consistent with authentic industrial factory marks. The 'E.P' mark clearly identifies it as plate rather than sterling, which is consistent with the brand's history.
Origin & Manufacturing
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Manufactured at the International Silver Co. of Canada factory, which produced high-volume quality silver plate for the North American market.
Era & Period
Modern Industrial Era (Mid-20th Century). The typeface and 'Hamilton, Can' mark suggest a production period between 1940 and 1970.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965. The specific stamp arrangement and model numbering format are consistent with mid-century Canadian production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII booming middle class in Canada, where silver-plated tea sets and trays became standard wedding gifts and symbols of domestic hospitality.
Condition Notes
Good/Fair. The underside shows significant 'use-wear' including deep scratches and scuffs. There is no evidence of 'silver bleed' (base metal showing through) in this specific area, but the plating has lost its original luster.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $35.00 USD. Silver plated hollowware of this era typically holds decorative value or value for use rather than investment value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild dish soap and water. If polishing is necessary, use a non-abrasive cream like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive pads which will strip the thin silver layer and expose the yellowish nickel-silver base.
Similar Pieces
International Silver 'Rogers Bros' 1847 line (higher end), Sheridan Silver (competitor), or Victorian Sheffield Plate (older, more valuable alternative).
Interesting Facts
The Rogers name is one of the most litigated and confusing in silver history; dozens of 'Rogers' companies existed, leading International Silver to use the Eagle-Star marks to certify their specific authorized line.