Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co. Silver Plated Teaspoon with Floral Motif
Flatware (Spoon - Teaspoon) · Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co., an influential American silver-plating company established in Hartford, Connecticut, in the 19th century and later absorbed by the International Silver Company, known for producing affordable, quality silver-plated tableware.
Pattern: Unidentified late 19th or early 20th-century floral/ornamental pattern featuring embossed scrollwork and floral details at the terminal.
Type
Flatware (Spoon - Teaspoon)
Maker
Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co., an influential American silver-plating company established in Hartford, Connecticut, in the 19th century and later absorbed by the International Silver Company, known for producing affordable, quality silver-plated tableware.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely nickel silver or white metal alloy beneath the electroplated silver layer), standard for commercial mass-market flatware of its era.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon dimensions, approximately 15 cm in length, weighing a fraction of a troy ounce.
Description
A charming and functional silver-plated teaspoon by Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co., featuring a classic handle shape adorned with embossed floral and scroll designs. The reverse proudly bears the maker's hallmark confirming its lineage as part of the massive Rogers family legacy of American flatware production.
Key Features
Clear manufacturer hallmarks reading "WM. ROGERS MFG. CO. EXTRA PLATE" and "ORIGINAL ROGERS", alongside decorative embossed floral motifs.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely nickel silver or white metal alloy beneath the electroplated silver layer), standard for commercial mass-market flatware of its era.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish with embossed/stamped floral and scroll decoration on the handle terminal and back.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Impressed stamps on the reverse handle reading "WM. ROGERS MFG. CO. EXTRA PLATE" along with an "ORIGINAL ROGERS" mark indicating the manufacturer and plating grade.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via die-striking and electroplating, typical of late Victorian and early 20th-century mass production methods.
Functional Features
Designed as a standard individual teaspoon for stirring beverages or consuming desserts.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle featuring an expanded, decoratively embossed terminal end for ergonomic grip and aesthetic appeal.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial-grade die-struck manufacturing with machine-applied electroplating, offering neat decorative stamping suited for everyday household use.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic maker's mark stampings consistent with late 19th to early 20th-century American silver plate manufacturing practices.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (likely Hartford, Connecticut), produced by the Wm. Rogers Manufacturing Company.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian Period (circa 1890-1920), evidenced by the maker's stamp style and floral ornamentation popular during this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890 to 1920, based on trademark styles and common usage periods for 'Extra Plate' stampings.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of dining wares during the Industrial Revolution, allowing middle-class households to afford elegant, silver-plated table settings previously reserved for the elite.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition with visible surface scratches, moderate tarnish, and signs of wear to the silver plating revealing the base metal underneath in high-friction areas.
Value Estimate
Low market value, typically ranging from $1 to $5 USD per spoon, as silver-plated everyday flatware is common and abundant in the secondary market.
Care & Maintenance
Wash gently with warm water and mild soap, dry immediately with a soft cloth. Use mild silver polish sparingly if necessary to preserve the thin electroplated layer.
Similar Pieces
Various silver-plated teaspoons from contemporary makers like 1847 Rogers Bros., Gorham (plated lines), or Oneida.
Interesting Facts
The 'Rogers' name was so famous and trusted in American households that numerous competing companies used variations of the name, prompting the stamp 'Original Rogers' to distinguish this authentic branch.