1847 Rogers Bros. 'Her Majesty' Silverplate Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon · 1847 Rogers Bros., a brand name used by the International Silver Company (merged in 1898). The Rogers brothers (Asa, William, and Simeon) were pioneers of the electroplating process in America.
Pattern: Her Majesty pattern, introduced in 1934. It is a discontinued Art Deco era pattern that remained popular for mid-century bridal registries.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros., a brand name used by the International Silver Company (merged in 1898). The Rogers brothers (Asa, William, and Simeon) were pioneers of the electroplating process in America.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). This consists of a base metal (usually a copper, nickel, and zinc alloy) coated in a thin layer of pure silver through electrolysis.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length, approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm). Relative weight is about 30-35 grams; silverplate is generally heavier and sturdier than sterling silver of the same gauge.
Description
An elegant example of mid-depression era American silverplate. The Her Majesty pattern is known for its tall, lean profile and regal floral apex. It was marketed as a high-quality yet affordable alternative to solid silver, capturing the 'royal' aesthetic accessible to the American middle class.
Key Features
The distinctive 'triple-petal' crown at the handle tip, the recessed line bordering the handle, and the iconic '1847 Rogers Bros' trademark on the reverse.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). This consists of a base metal (usually a copper, nickel, and zinc alloy) coated in a thin layer of pure silver through electrolysis.
Finish & Decoration
Art Deco style with a mirror polish finish and oxidized recesses. The decoration features a vertical linear handle design terminating in a stylized crown-like floral motif at the tip (the 'Her Majesty' signature), reflecting the transition from Art Nouveau to streamlined Deco.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '1847 ROGERS BROS.' followed by 'I[S]' in a circle. The '1847' is a trademark year, not the manufacture date. The 'IS' stands for International Silver Company. There are no sterling silver purity marks like 'Sterling' or '.925'.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via die-striking. The pattern is stamped into the metal under high pressure. This is a single-piece construction without solder joints.
Functional Features
Standard oval bowl for stirring and eating; flared handle for ergonomic grip. Designed for high-volume production and durability for daily household use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid construction (not hollow). The handle is fairly flat with rounded edges, featuring a decorative cartouche that is occasionally left blank for engraving monograms (though this piece appears unmonogrammed).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The die-work is crisp, showing clear definition in the floral motifs despite decades of wear. The balance is centered toward the bowl for ease of use.
Authentication Indicators
The markings are consistent with authentic International Silver production. The wear pattern (showing the yellowish 'nickel silver' base metal beneath the silver) is a primary indicator that this is plate and not solid sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. The International Silver Company was headquartered there and was once the largest silver manufacturer in the world.
Era & Period
Art Deco (1930s). The pattern reflects the industrial elegance and geometric floral motifs characteristic of American design following the Great Depression.
Age Estimate
Circa 1934-1950. While the pattern was launched in 1934, the specific stamping style suggests mid-20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in America. In the 1930s and 40s, owning a set of Rogers Bros. silverplate was a standard of respectable middle-class domesticity and hospitality.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair condition. Significant tarnish and 'silver loss' (wear to the plating) are visible, particularly in the bowl and at the heel. Heavy surface scratches and 'pitting' suggests frequent use and perhaps improper storage.
Value Estimate
$2 - $8 USD. As a common silverplated pattern with visible wear and tarnish, it holds primarily sentimental or replacement value rather than investment value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid silver 'dips' which can strip the thin plating. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth (Pacific Silvercloth) to prevent the heavy oxidation seen in the photo.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community Plate 'Milady' (1940) or Gorham 'Chantilly' (Sterling). The Milady pattern has similar floral arrangements but different handle geometry.
Interesting Facts
The '1847' date is often confused by novices as the year the spoon was made; it actually honors the year the Rogers brothers perfected their plating process. This specific pattern was released to coincide with the popularity of 'royal' motifs in the 1930s.