Wm. A. Rogers Silver Plated Flatware Forks
Flatware (Forks) · Wm. A. Rogers, an American silversmith and manufacturer founded in the mid-19th century; the brand eventually became part of Oneida Ltd. in 1929.
Pattern: Unidentified pattern; Rogers produced hundreds of patterns including popular ones like 'Sectional' and 'Oneida' lines.
Type
Flatware (Forks)
Maker
Wm. A. Rogers, an American silversmith and manufacturer founded in the mid-19th century; the brand eventually became part of Oneida Ltd. in 1929.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This is a base metal (typically copper, nickel, and zinc) coated in a thin layer of silver; it does not contain solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Standard dinner forks, likely approximately 7 to 7.5 inches in length. Weight is not specified but typical for plated flatware with a nickel silver base.
Description
A pair of utilitarian silver-plated dinner forks produced by the prolific American manufacturer Wm. A. Rogers. These pieces characterize the shift toward household silver reachable by the middle class, featuring sturdy construction and classic proportions.
Key Features
The distinctive 'WM. A. ROGERS' stamp and the visible copper-toned tarnish consistent with thinning silver plate over a nickel-alloy base.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This is a base metal (typically copper, nickel, and zinc) coated in a thin layer of silver; it does not contain solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished surface with visible tarnish and surface oxidation. The design appears streamlined, consistent with Mid-Century Modern or late Art Deco utility styles.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Incised 'WM. A. ROGERS' maker's mark. The lack of a 'Sterling' or '925' stamp confirms these items are silver plated.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-striking and electroplating. These are mass-produced items designed for durability and daily use.
Functional Features
Standard four-tine fork design for dining utility.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handles integrated into the fork head; typical flatware ergonomics.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine production. The stamping is clear but lacks the refined finishing and hand-chasing found in boutique silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
The 'WM. A. ROGERS' stamp is a well-documented mark for silver-plated goods; the absence of hallmarks such as the Lion Passant or '925' indicates zero sterling value.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely manufactured in Hartford, Connecticut, or Sherrill, New York, following the Oneida acquisition.
Era & Period
Likely Mid-Century (1940s-1960s) based on the font used in the maker's mark and the simple, undecorated neck transition.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1960, a period of high production for the Rogers brand under various corporate umbrellas.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining in the 20th century, where silver plate provided the appearance of luxury to the average American household.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Heavy surface scratches, significant tarnish, and 'pitting' or wear-through of the silver layer (bleeding) near the edges and tines.
Value Estimate
$1 - $5 per piece. Silver-plated flatware holds minimal resale value compared to sterling, often sold in bulk lots for use or as replacements.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing as the silver layer is very thin and can be completely removed.
Similar Pieces
1847 Rogers Bros (a different company), Oneida Community Plate, and International Silver Co. plated lines.
Interesting Facts
The 'Wm. A. Rogers' name was so successful it was subject to numerous legal battles over brand rights before finally being consolidated into Oneida.