1847 Rogers Bros. Adoration Pattern Silver Plate Ice Cream Fork
Flatware - Ice Cream Fork / Ramekin Fork · 1847 Rogers Bros., a brand name used by the International Silver Company (merged 1898). The Rogers brothers were pioneers in the American electroplating industry, originating in Hartford, Connecticut.
Pattern: Adoration pattern, introduced in 1930 and discontinued in 1941.
Type
Flatware - Ice Cream Fork / Ramekin Fork
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros., a brand name used by the International Silver Company (merged 1898). The Rogers brothers were pioneers in the American electroplating industry, originating in Hartford, Connecticut.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This is a base metal of nickel, copper, and zinc coated with a thin layer of silver.
Dimensions
Approximately 5.5 to 6 inches in length. Weight is roughly 25-30 grams. It is smaller than a standard salad fork but wider in the tines.
Description
An elegant example of Depression-era specialized flatware. The Adoration pattern by 1847 Rogers Bros. exemplifies Art Deco restraint, using a stippled pattern to create visual interest without the heavy ornamentation of the Victorian era. The ice cream fork form is a relic of formal dining etiquette where specific tools were required for every course.
Key Features
Unique 'spork' hybrid fork shape, 'Adoration' textured handle, and the '1847' trademark stamp which often confuses novice collectors as a date.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This is a base metal of nickel, copper, and zinc coated with a thin layer of silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-polished mirror finish with Art Deco styling. Features a stippled 'pebble' texture on the handle surrounded by a sleek, geometric border characteristic of the 1930s 'Streamline Moderne' aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '1847 ROGERS BROS. IS', where 'IS' stands for International Silver Company. The '1847' is a trademark year, not the production date.
Construction Details
Mass-produced via die-striking/machine stamping. The base metal is stamped into shape and then electroplated in a silver bath.
Functional Features
Features three or four short tines with a wide, spoon-like bowl (spork-like) designed to cut through semi-solid ice cream or cake while allowing for scooping.
Handle & Grip Details
Flat, solid metal handle integrated into the head. The tapered shape and textured grip provide ergonomic stability for cutting through cold desserts.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-grade production. High quality for its time, with deep, crisp stamping and durable plating that has survived nearly a century of use.
Authentication Indicators
The 'IS' mark confirms it was produced after 1898. The pattern 'Adoration' is well-documented in International Silver catalogs from the 1930s.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Manufactured by the International Silver Company, the world's largest silver manufacturer of the early 20th century.
Era & Period
Art Deco / Depression Era (1930-1941). The design reflects the 'Machine Age' influence with its clean lines and textured surfaces.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1941 based on the Adoration pattern production window.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-century American middle-class aspiration for 'fancy' dining services even during the Great Depression. Specialized pieces like ice cream forks were popular wedding gifts.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Visible micro-scratching on the bowl (use marks) and moderate tarnish. No apparent 'plate loss' or 'bleeding' (where the base copper/nickel shows through).
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $12.00 USD per individual piece. Value is relatively low because it is plated and common in the secondary market, though rare patterns can fetch more.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid dishwashers, as heat and harsh detergents can strip the thin silver plating.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community Plate 'Milady' pattern or Gorham 'Chantilly' (though the latter is often sterling silver). Collectors often confuse this with a salad or oyster fork.
Interesting Facts
Despite the '1847' mark, the Rogers brothers didn't actually perfect their plating process until later; the date was used as a marketing tool to imply long-standing heritage.