Wm. Rogers & Son Victorious Pattern Silverplate Dinner Fork
Flatware (Dinner Fork) · Wm. Rogers & Son, a brand of the International Silver Company (IS). Originally founded in Hartford, CT, the name became part of the Meriden Britannia and later International Silver conglomerate, known for high-volume, accessible quality silverware.
Pattern: Victorious, introduced in 1945. This pattern is currently discontinued and was released shortly after the end of WWII, reflecting patriotic sentiment in its name.
Type
Flatware (Dinner Fork)
Maker
Wm. Rogers & Son, a brand of the International Silver Company (IS). Originally founded in Hartford, CT, the name became part of the Meriden Britannia and later International Silver conglomerate, known for high-volume, accessible quality silverware.
Material
Silver plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a non-precious nickel-copper-zinc alloy coated with a thin layer of pure silver via electrolysis.
Dimensions
Approximately 7.5 inches (19 cm) in length. Standard weight for American commercial silverplate of the mid-20th century, roughly 45–55 grams.
Description
The Victorious dinner fork by Wm. Rogers & Son is a classic example of American post-war flatware. It features a bold, architectural handle characterized by recessed vertical panels that draw the eye toward an ornate floral-etched base. Its design represents a transition from the strict geometry of Art Deco to the more romanticized floral motifs popular in late 1940s American homes.
Key Features
Tapered handle with three vertical ridges, V-shaped floral terminal, and the distinct post-war 'Victorious' pattern name recognition.
Material & Composition
Silver plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a non-precious nickel-copper-zinc alloy coated with a thin layer of pure silver via electrolysis.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish with Art Deco-influenced geometric lines and floral motifs. The handle features long vertical ridges ending in a pointed, shield-like tip with floral chasing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'WM. A. ROGERS OVERLAY' or 'WM. ROGERS & SON IS' on the reverse of the handle. The 'IS' mark stands for International Silver.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-striking. High-pressure dies were used to stamp the pattern and shape into the base metal blanks before the plating process.
Functional Features
Standard four-tine configuration with a tapered neck for weight balance. Designed for use as a primary dinner fork.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle (not hollow) integrated into the piece. The handle is flat with beveled edges and a gently flared terminal for ergonomic grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision industrial die-striking. The pattern is crisp and symmetrical, indicating high-quality mass-production molds typical of International Silver's peak years.
Authentication Indicators
The 'WM. ROGERS & SON' stamp is a definitive hallmark for International Silver’s mid-market lines. Surface tarnish color is consistent with silver over a base metal rather than solid sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; likely manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, the 'Silver City' and hub of the International Silver Company.
Era & Period
Late Art Deco / Post-War Transition (mid-1940s). The design features clean vertical lines typical of the 1930s combined with softer floral elements of the late 40s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945–1955. The pattern was introduced in 1945 to celebrate the Allied victory in WWII.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in mid-century America, where middle-class families could own 'silver' sets that looked like high-end sterling but were affordable for mass consumption.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is visible surface tarnish and light 'heel wear' (plating loss at the contact point on the back of the bowl/neck). Minor scratches and scuffs from decades of use and storage.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $8.00 USD per individual fork. Value is primarily functional or as a replacement piece for existing sets rather than investment-grade silver.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive scrubbers which will strip the thin silver plating, exposing the yellowish nickel-silver base metal (bleeding).
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community 'Morning Star' or 1847 Rogers Bros 'Adoration'. These share similar floral/architectural motifs but differ in hallmark and slight decorative details.
Interesting Facts
The 'Victorious' pattern was marketed heavily to returning GIs and their new families starting in 1945, symbolizing the era's optimism and triumph.