Wm. Rogers & Son Silver Plated Flatware Piece
Flatware (Serving Piece or Spoon) · Wm. Rogers & Son, a well-known American silver-plated flatware brand associated historically with the International Silver Company, famous for producing accessible and durable silver-plated tableware for households.
Pattern: Standard mid-20th-century commercial flatware line by Wm. Rogers & Son featuring standard utility or traditional patterns.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece or Spoon)
Maker
Wm. Rogers & Son, a well-known American silver-plated flatware brand associated historically with the International Silver Company, famous for producing accessible and durable silver-plated tableware for households.
Material
Silver-plated base metal, specifically marked with 'A1' indicating standard quality silver plating over a base metal alloy such as nickel silver.
Dimensions
Standard dimensions for a residential flatware piece; weight is typical of silver-plated alloy construction rather than solid sterling silver.
Description
A classic mid-century silver-plated flatware piece produced by Wm. Rogers & Son. The reverse of the handle prominently displays the manufacturer's authentication stamps, including the trademark name, quality indicator, and corporate identifier, showcasing typical mass-market American silver-plating heritage.
Key Features
Clear, legible maker's stamps including the 'WM. ROGERS & SON' text with a star, 'A1' silver plating grade mark, and the 'IS' (International Silver) monogram.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal, specifically marked with 'A1' indicating standard quality silver plating over a base metal alloy such as nickel silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver-plated finish with traditional utilitarian design typical of mid-century mass-produced flatware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clearly marked with 'IS' (International Silver) at the bottom, 'A1' indicating standard plating quality, and the maker stamp 'WM. ROGERS & SON' flanking a star symbol.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via commercial die-cutting and stamping processes typical of industrial flatware production in the mid-20th century.
Functional Features
Standard utility flatware design intended for everyday dining or serving use.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated solid base metal handle with silver plating, shaped for standard ergonomic grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial industrial manufacturing quality, optimized for durability and cost-effectiveness rather than hand-wrought artisan precision.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of standard mid-century American silver plate stamps ('IS', 'A1', and 'WM. ROGERS & SON') confirms authentic mass-market production by the International Silver Company.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in the United States by Wm. Rogers & Son, a division or brand under the International Silver Company umbrella based in Connecticut.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1930s-1950s), indicated by the specific configuration of the International Silver company's stamping marks.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930 to 1960, based on the combination of the Wm. Rogers & Son maker's mark and the 'IS' hallmark style.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of elegant dining in American households, making silver-appearing tableware accessible to middle-class families during the 20th century.
Condition Notes
Fair to good vintage condition showing typical minor surface scratches, micro-abrasions, and moderate tarnish commensurate with age and use.
Value Estimate
Low market value, typically valued as an individual replacement flatware piece ranging from $5 to $15 depending on exact pattern and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a gentle silver cream or specialized polish designed for silver plate; avoid harsh abrasive cleaners to preserve the thin electroplated silver layer.
Similar Pieces
Other silver-plated flatware pieces by 1847 Rogers Bros, Oneida, or Holmes & Edwards from the same era.
Interesting Facts
The 'Rogers' name is one of the most famous in American silver history, originating with brothers who pioneered electroplating techniques in the United States during the 19th century.