International Silver Co. 'Adoration' Pattern Silverplate Teaspoon
Flatware (Teaspoon) · International Silver Company (IS), specifically under the 1847 Rogers Bros. brand. Formed in Meriden, CT in 1898, IS became the largest silver manufacturer in the world, synonymous with high-quality American silverplate.
Pattern: 'Adoration' (1930). This pattern was part of the 1847 Rogers Bros. line, known for its romantic and floral Art Deco-era aesthetic. It is no longer in production but remains very common on the secondary market.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
International Silver Company (IS), specifically under the 1847 Rogers Bros. brand. Formed in Meriden, CT in 1898, IS became the largest silver manufacturer in the world, synonymous with high-quality American silverplate.
Material
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver. There is no intrinsic bullion value; the value is purely decorative/functional.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size, approximately 6 to 6.25 inches in length. Weight is roughly 30-35 grams. Being plated, it feels slightly lighter and 'clinkier' than a solid sterling counterpart.
Description
This IS Adoration teaspoon is a classic example of American Depression-era silverplate. Its design captures the 1930s transition from ornate Victorian florals to more organized, symmetrical Art Deco borders. The rose motif was intended to evoke a sense of timeless romance, making it a popular choice for young couples starting households during the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Rose bouquet motif, beaded 'zipper' style border on the neck, and the specific 1847 Rogers Bros. brand marking which identifies it as mid-tier consumer silverplate.
Material & Composition
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver. There is no intrinsic bullion value; the value is purely decorative/functional.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with low-relief chasing. The pattern features a bouquet of roses and small floral clusters in a romantic Art Deco style, accompanied by a beaded border transition near the neck. The tip of the handle is rounded with a scroll-like flourish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the reverse: '1847 ROGERS BROS. IS ADORATION'. The 'IS' signifies International Silver. There are no lion passant or .925 sterling marks, as it is a plated item.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured (die-struck). The pattern was stamped into a pre-cut metal blank using high-pressure steel dies, then polished and chemically plated in a large-scale industrial process.
Functional Features
Standard oval bowl for stirring and scooping. The neck is slightly narrowed for ergonomic balance. Being silverplate, it is highly durable for everyday use compared to softer sterling silver.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle with integrated pattern. The handle is flat with a flared, rounded end. It is a single-piece construction where the handle and bowl are stamped from the same blank.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The die-work is crisp, showing clear definition in the rose petals, indicating the dies were well-maintained. The plating is even and has held up well over approximately 80-90 years.
Authentication Indicators
The pattern is a documented '1847 Rogers Bros.' design. The lack of 'Sterling' marks and the specific depth of the die-stamping are consistent with industrial silverplating techniques of the 1930s.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Meriden, Connecticut. Produced at one of the massive International Silver Co. factories which dominated the American market during the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Late Art Deco / Depression Era (c. 1930-1940). While the pattern is floral, it retains the symmetry and streamlined neck characteristic of 1930s industrial design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1950. The Adoration pattern was introduced in 1930 and was a staple of bridal registries for the following two decades.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in early 20th-century America. Silverplate allowed middle-class families to maintain the 'cult of domesticity' and formal dining traditions without the extreme cost of solid sterling silver.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The surface shows minor 'user wear' or light scratches consistent with regular dining use. There is no visible 'bleeding' (where the base nickel silver shows through the silver plating), which often occurs at the heel of the bowl or high points of the handle.
Value Estimate
$1 - $5 USD. As a single common silverplate teaspoon, it has very low monetary value. Values are higher for serving pieces or complete sets of 50+ pieces in a chest.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap. Avoid the dishwasher, as high heat and harsh detergents can cause 'heat tint' or accelerate wear on the plating. Polish rarely with a non-abrasive cream like Wright's Silver Cream to avoid wearing away the thin silver layer.
Similar Pieces
1847 Rogers Bros. 'First Love' (similar floral vibe) or Gorham 'Chantilly' (in sterling). Plated alternatives include Oneida Community Plate in the 'Coronation' or 'Morning Star' patterns.
Interesting Facts
The brand '1847 Rogers Bros.' was used by International Silver to denote their highest quality of silverplate, often guaranteed for a certain number of years (e.g., 'the silverplate that lasts').