Wm. Rogers & Son AA Silver Plate Grille Knife in 'Exquisite' Pattern
Flatware - Grille Knife (Viande Style) · Wm. Rogers & Son, a brand of the International Silver Company. Known as a high-volume American manufacturer of silver plate based in Meriden, Connecticut.
Pattern: 'Exquisite' pattern, introduced in 1940. It is a retired pattern known for its Art Deco influence and clipped corners.
Type
Flatware - Grille Knife (Viande Style)
Maker
Wm. Rogers & Son, a brand of the International Silver Company. Known as a high-volume American manufacturer of silver plate based in Meriden, Connecticut.
Material
Silver plate over base metal (likely nickel silver or steel for the blade). The 'AA' stamp indicates a specific grade of silver plating thickness standard for the era.
Dimensions
Standard Grille Knife size, approximately 8.5 to 9 inches in length. Weight is typically around 60-80 grams depending on whether the handle is hollow or solid.
Description
This is a classic example of American mid-century utility meets style. The Wm. Rogers & Son 'Exquisite' pattern is defined by its clean, architectural lines and geometric terminal. As a Grille knife, it represents a specific 20th-century trend where the blade was shortened to provide a more balanced look on the plate and a longer, more comfortable handle for the user.
Key Features
Clipped corner terminal, 'AA' quality stamp, and the specific 'Grille' proportions (long handle, short blade).
Material & Composition
Silver plate over base metal (likely nickel silver or steel for the blade). The 'AA' stamp indicates a specific grade of silver plating thickness standard for the era.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish with a stepped, clipped-corner terminal and an incised border line mirroring the handle shape. The design is a late Art Deco or 'Streamline Moderne' style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'WM. ROGERS & SON AA' on the neck. The 'AA' is a quality mark for silver plating thinner than 'Triple Plate' but standard for domestic use.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-striking. The blade and handle appear to be a single unit or a very tightly integrated bolster, characteristic of mid-century 'Grille' or 'Viande' style knives.
Functional Features
Features a Grille-style (Viande) design, which consists of a long handle and a shorter blade, designed to look elegant on modern 20th-century dinner plates.
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered handle with a flat, clipped-corner terminal. The grip is smooth and ergonomic, typical of mass-produced mid-century American flatware.
Craftsmanship Details
A high-quality machine-made piece. The stamping is deep and legible, and the symmetry of the clipped edges shows the precision of mid-century industrial die-cutting.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp 'WM. ROGERS & SON' is consistent with known International Silver Co. marques of the 1940s. Wear patterns are consistent with electroplated flatware rather than solid sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, USA, by the International Silver Company under the Wm. Rogers & Son trademark.
Era & Period
Late Art Deco / WWII Era. The 'Exquisite' pattern (1940) reflects the transition from decorative Art Deco to the functional minimalism of the 1940s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1950. The pattern was released in 1940 and was popular for several years following.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining in America, where silver-plated sets allowed middle-class families to own stylish, coordinated table services that mimicked the look of solid silver.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scratches (scuffs) consistent with heavy use. There is evidence of 'plate loss' or 'bleeding' where the base metal may be showing through the silver layer on the high points.
Value Estimate
$5 - $12 USD per individual replacement piece. Values for silver plate are primarily driven by collectors looking to complete existing sets rather than metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver foam (like Wright's). Avoid the dishwasher, as the heat and detergents will accelerate the wear of the silver plating and can damage the blade attachment.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with the 'Priscilla' or 'Memory' patterns by the same maker, but distinguished by the specific stepped border on the handle terminal.
Interesting Facts
The 'Grille' knife style was popularized in the 1930s and 40s; it was sometimes called the 'Viande' knife, a design credited to Eliel Saarinen for the International Silver Company.