1847 Rogers Bros. Silver Plated Flatware Item
Flatware - Serving or Dining Utensil · 1847 Rogers Bros., a famous trademark and brand name originally used by Rogers brothers (William, Asa, and Simeon) in Hartford, Connecticut, and later acquired by the International Silver Company. Known for producing high-quality and immensely popular silver-plated flatware in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Pattern: Unspecified pattern within the 1847 Rogers Bros. line; the brand name itself is often treated as a premier collecting category for antique American silver plate.
Type
Flatware - Serving or Dining Utensil
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros., a famous trademark and brand name originally used by Rogers brothers (William, Asa, and Simeon) in Hartford, Connecticut, and later acquired by the International Silver Company. Known for producing high-quality and immensely popular silver-plated flatware in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Material
Silver Plated (Electroplated Silver on a base metal, typically nickel silver or white metal alloy).
Dimensions
Standard dimensions and weight for a mid-to-late 19th or early 20th-century silver-plated flatware piece.
Description
An authentic piece of antique silver-plated flatware bearing the iconic '1847 ROGERS BROS.' maker's stamp. The piece displays a rich, aged patina and tarnish indicative of historical use and genuine antique status. The clear, deep impression of the hallmark provides strong visual evidence of its heritage as a product of America's leading silver-plating lineage.
Key Features
Clear, deeply struck '1847 ROGERS BROS.' hallmark with accompanying symbolic stamps; classic American silver-plate heritage.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (Electroplated Silver on a base metal, typically nickel silver or white metal alloy).
Finish & Decoration
Standard polished silver plate finish showing natural tarnish and patina over time.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clearly stamped with the traditional maker mark '1847 ROGERS BROS.', along with additional maker symbols or numeric stamps indicating the brand line and manufacturing standards.
Construction Details
Industrial machine-manufactured electroplated flatware, utilizing die-rolled blanks plated through the electroplating process pioneered and popularized during the mid-19th century.
Functional Features
Standard dining or serving flatware utility.
Handle & Grip Details
Metal handle integral to the utensil body, featuring standard ergonomic shaping consistent with the period's production methods.
Craftsmanship Details
Good commercial-grade execution with cleanly struck hallmarks and solid base metal shaping, reflecting the high manufacturing standards of the International Silver Company's predecessors.
Authentication Indicators
The authenticity is supported by the crisp, authentic typography of the '1847 ROGERS BROS.' stamp, showing correct letter forms, spacing, and accompanying trademark symbols typical of genuine pieces rather than modern counterfeits.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, predominantly associated with manufacturing centers in Meriden and Hartford, Connecticut.
Era & Period
Victorian Era to Mid-20th Century, given the extensive production run of the 1847 Rogers Bros. brand under International Silver.
Age Estimate
Likely late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1870-1930), based on the specific typography and layout of the '1847 ROGERS BROS.' stamp shown in the image.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of dining luxury in America, allowing middle-class households to afford elegant, silver-plated table settings that emulated sterling silver aristocrat dining.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good antique condition. Heavy surface tarnish and dark sulfide deposits are present along with expected micro-scratches from use and polishing. The structural integrity remains sound with no apparent base metal bleed-through visible in the detailed mark area.
Value Estimate
Modest collector value, typically ranging from $10 to $50 USD depending on the specific form (fork, spoon, or serving piece), rarity of the pattern, and overall surface condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a mild liquid dish soap and warm water using a soft cloth. For tarnish removal, use a trusted silver polish like Wright's Silver Cream, avoiding harsh abrasive pads. Store in anti-tarnish flannel rolls or bags.
Similar Pieces
Other American silver-plated flatware by competitors such as Wm. A. Rogers, Oneida, Community Plate, and Reed & Barton.
Interesting Facts
The year '1847' in the brand name does not necessarily represent the year the specific piece was made, but rather the year William Rogers began experimenting with silver plating in Hartford, Connecticut. It later became one of the most trusted names in American households.