Wm. Rogers Silver-Plated Hollowware Serving Tray by International Silver Co. of Canada
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Platter) · Wm. Rogers (William Rogers), a brand of the International Silver Company of Canada. Originally a pioneer American silversmithing family, the name was acquired by International Silver in 1898. This specific piece was manufactured at the Hamilton, Ontario facility, known for producing high-quality silver plate for the North American market.
Pattern: Pattern No. 55-1; a mid-century institutional or transitional colonial style tray. The pattern refers to the catalog number rather than a named floral collection like 'First Love' or 'Memory'.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Platter)
Maker
Wm. Rogers (William Rogers), a brand of the International Silver Company of Canada. Originally a pioneer American silversmithing family, the name was acquired by International Silver in 1898. This specific piece was manufactured at the Hamilton, Ontario facility, known for producing high-quality silver plate for the North American market.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The mark 'E.P. W.M.' signifies Electroplated White Metal (likely a lead-tin alloy or nickel-silver base). It contains no solid silver content; it is a thin layer of pure silver bonded to a base metal core.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 10-12 inches (serving size). As silver-plated white metal, it has a substantial, heavy feel compared to hollow sterling, likely weighing between 600-900 grams depending on circumference.
Description
This is a classic example of Canadian-made silver-plated hollowware from the esteemed Wm. Rogers line. Featuring a reflective, high-polish finish and the iconic Eagle-and-Star trademark, this tray represents the mid-century's demand for elegant, accessible formal dining accessories. The Hamilton, Ontario mark adds regional provenance to this utilitarian yet stylish piece of Canadian industrial silver history.
Key Features
Canadian 'Hamilton' factory mark; 'E.P. W.M.' material designation; Eagle and Star trade logo; presence of 'scratched-in' secondary inventory markings commonly found on pieces processed through estates or secondhand markets.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The mark 'E.P. W.M.' signifies Electroplated White Metal (likely a lead-tin alloy or nickel-silver base). It contains no solid silver content; it is a thin layer of pure silver bonded to a base metal core.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with minimal surface decoration visible on the reverse. Common for the 55-1 series, these trays often feature a gadroon or shell-and-scroll border on the topside, while the base remains plain to display the maker's mark.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with the 'Eagle and Star' mark (associated with Wm. Rogers/International Silver), followed by 'WM ROGERS' flanked by stars. Text includes 'HAMILTON, CAN.' (origin), 'E.P. W.M.' (material), and '55-1' (model number). Crude hand-etched numbers above and below likely represent pawn shop inventory codes or owner ID marks.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun from a sheet of white metal, then electroplated in a silver bath. The edges are likely reinforced with a applied wire or cast border (not visible from reverse). Hand-finishing is limited to the final buffing/polishing stage.
Functional Features
Flat serving surface designed for hors d'oeuvres, tea service, or as a gallery tray. The '55-1' designation suggests an individual serving platter or a small round tray often used in hospitality or home dining.
Handle & Grip Details
Not clearly visible, but typically these round trays are handle-less (rim-grip) or feature integrated raised borders for lifting.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial-grade quality. The stamps are clear and well-aligned, indicating a high-volume factory setting. The surface finish was originally of high quality, though it lacks the hand-chased detail of artisanal silver.
Authentication Indicators
The stamps are die-struck and consistent with known International Silver Co. factory marks for their Canadian subsidiary. The wear pattern (light greyish metal showing through the silver) confirms it is electroplated rather than sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Produced in the Canadian division of International Silver, which served the British Commonwealth and North American markets with durable plated goods.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (approx. 1940-1960). The sans-serif 'Hamilton, Can.' typography and the specific catalog numbering system are consistent with post-WWII Canadian silver plate production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s. The '55-1' mark and the condition of the electroplating suggest a mid-century manufacture date prior to the decline of the Hamilton plant operations.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'middle-class luxury' of the mid-20th century, where silver-plated items allowed families to emulate the lifestyle of the elite without the cost of solid sterling. It reflects the post-war industrial boom in Ontario.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There are visible surface scratches ('spider-webbing') consistent with heavy use and aggressive cleaning. A deep horizontal scratch is present across the center. There is visible 'brassing' or dulling where the silver plate has thinned, particularly near the etched numbers. Overall Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD. Silver-plated trays of this era are very common; value is limited by the lack of precious metal content and the presence of heavy surface scratching and hand-etched ID marks.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive cleaners or 'silver dips' which strip the thin layer of plating. Clean with a soft cloth and a dedicated paste like Wright’s Silver Cream. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth to prevent sulfur buildup.
Similar Pieces
Birks Regency Plate (Canadian competitor), Gorham EP (American equivalent), or Oneida Community Plate. Birks pieces often command a slight premium in the Canadian market due to brand prestige.
Interesting Facts
The 'Eagle and Star' mark was used by Wm. Rogers to distinguish their high-grade plating from competitors. Hamilton, Ontario was once a major hub for silver manufacturing in Canada, largely driven by the International Silver Company's expansion.