Wm. Rogers & Son 'Lincoln' Pattern Silver-Plated Tablespoon
Flatware (Spoon) · Wm. Rogers & Son, a brand of the International Silver Company. The Rogers name is legendary in American silver plating, representing the 19th-century pioneers of the electroplating process in the United States.
Pattern: Lincoln pattern, introduced in 1913. It is a discontinued Art Deco-influenced Neoclassical design.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
Wm. Rogers & Son, a brand of the International Silver Company. The Rogers name is legendary in American silver plating, representing the 19th-century pioneers of the electroplating process in the United States.
Material
Silver plate on base metal (usually nickel silver). The 'AA' stamp indicates a specific grade of silver plating thickness standard used by the manufacturer.
Dimensions
Approximately 7 to 8 inches in length (standard tablespoon/serving size); Weight is roughly 45-60 grams depending on base metal density.
Description
This spoon represents the height of early 20th-century American middle-class dining elegance. The Lincoln pattern provides a restrained, dignified aesthetic that relied on form rather than ornate floral chasing. It served as an affordable alternative to solid sterling for families desiring a 'proper' table service.
Key Features
Distinguished by the 'PAT. FEB. 11. 1913' stamp and the specific 'Lincoln' paneled handle motif; the 'AA' quality mark is a primary identifier for this production tier.
Material & Composition
Silver plate on base metal (usually nickel silver). The 'AA' stamp indicates a specific grade of silver plating thickness standard used by the manufacturer.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-to-mirror polish with a simple, elegant paneled handle design characteristic of the early Art Deco period. Features clean straight lines and a double-lobed terminal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'PAT. FEB. 11, 1913' indicating the patent date; 'WM. ROGERS & SON' (the maker's mark); and 'AA' (the plating quality mark).
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck from a sheet of base metal, then electroplated with a layer of pure silver.
Functional Features
Large, oval-shaped bowl for serving or large-portion dining; sturdy neck to prevent bending during use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated with the bowl (one-piece construction), featuring a flared 'fiddle' style derivation with beveled edges.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing. The stamping is deep and crisp, and the plating has survived over a century of handling, though showing typical wear at friction points.
Authentication Indicators
The markings are consistent with International Silver Company's 1913 production. The 'AA' mark confirms it is silver plate rather than sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; likely manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, the 'Silver City' and hub of the International Silver Company.
Era & Period
Early Art Deco / Late Edwardian (1913). The design reflects a transition from Victorian fussiness toward the streamlined geometry of the 1920s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1913-1925, based on the patent date and the peak production years for this specific pattern.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 'Democratization of Luxury' in America, where electroplating technology allowed middle-class households to own silverware that mimicked the appearance of the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scratches, heavy tarnish, and 'heel wear' (plating loss) on the back of the bowl where it rests on the table. No significant bending or structural cracks.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. Value is nominal as it is a common plated piece; however, it holds sentimental or replacement value for those completing a family set.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers which will strip the thin 'AA' silver layer and reveal the yellowish base metal. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or cloth.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Strasbourg' (more ornate), Oneida 'Community Plate' designs from the same era, or Wm. Rogers 'Victory' pattern.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Wm. Rogers' was so valuable that it was used by several different companies through various legal disputes, eventually being consolidated under the International Silver Co. umbrella.