International Silver Co. 'Victorian' (1940) Silverplate Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon · International Silver Co. (IS), a major American conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, CT, which consolidated many famous New England silversmiths. This piece is specifically from their WM Rogers & Son line.
Pattern: Victorian (also known as Victorian Rose or simply Victorian in the WM Rogers line), introduced in 1940. It is now discontinued.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), a major American conglomerate founded in 1898 in Meriden, CT, which consolidated many famous New England silversmiths. This piece is specifically from their WM Rogers & Son line.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or 'Silverplate'. The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel alloy coated in a thin layer of pure silver. Features a stainless steel look but with silver tarnish.
Dimensions
Approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) in length. Weight is roughly 30-35 grams. Standard teaspoon size for American 20th-century place settings.
Description
This teaspoon represents the mid-century American transition toward affordable, mass-market luxury. The 'Victorian' pattern by International Silver/WM Rogers & Son balances the sleekness of late Art Deco with the ornate floral flourishes of the 19th century. Its simple lines and durable plating made it a staple in many American households following World War II.
Key Features
The 'IS' mark inside a small square/diamond and the presence of the full pattern name 'VICTORIAN' stamped directly into the metal, which was common for mid-tier silverplate lines.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or 'Silverplate'. The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel alloy coated in a thin layer of pure silver. Features a stainless steel look but with silver tarnish.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with Art Deco and Neo-Victorian influence. The handle features a simple ridged border with a subtle floral/scroll motif at the tip and shoulder.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the reverse neck: 'IS WM ROGERS & SON VICTORIAN'. The 'IS' denotes International Silver; 'WM ROGERS & SON' was a primary brand name within the IS portfolio.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped/die-struck from a single sheet of nickel silver and then electroplated. This is a mass-produced industrial item rather than a hand-wrought piece.
Functional Features
Standard oval bowl for stirring tea/coffee or consuming desserts. Durable construction intended for daily residential use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid, flat handle profile. Integrated one-piece construction with a slightly flared terminal. Condition shows minor surface friction tarnish.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade manufacturing. High-speed mechanical production with clean edges and consistent proportions, though lacking the deep, crisp detail of hand-chased pieces.
Authentication Indicators
The mark 'WM ROGERS & SON' without the word 'Sterling' indicates it is silverplate. The 'IS' mark confirms its status as a 20th-century International Silver product. Low relief of the design suggests high-speed die-striking.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in the USA, likely in the Meriden or Wallingford, Connecticut factories of the International Silver Company.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Post-Depression/World War II era). While named 'Victorian,' it is a 1940s interpretation of traditional styles, reflecting the period's preference for 'Traditionalist' revivals.
Age Estimate
Produced circa 1940-1950 based on the pattern introduction and the style of the 'IS' trademark.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of formal dining in the mid-20th century, allowing middle-class families to own 'silver' sets that mimicked the aesthetic of the elite.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Visible micro-scratching from use (patina). Some light tarnish in the crevices of the design. No 'plate loss' or 'bleeding' (where base metal shows through) is visible in the image.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $6.00 USD. Silverplate flatware of this vintage has low resale value unless part of a very large, complete set; its value is primarily functional or sentimental.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's Silver Cream to remove tarnish. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the thin plating over time. Store in a dry place or tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' (Sterling - much more valuable), Oneida 'Community Plate' patterns (similar quality/price), and other International Silver lines like 'DeepSilver'.
Interesting Facts
The WM Rogers & Son brand was one of the most successful marketing names in American silver history, often confusing consumers who mistook the various 'Rogers' names for higher-end sterling manufacturers.