Wm. A. Rogers Silver Plate on Brass Tray/Platter #3470
Hollowware (serving platter or tray) · Wm. A. Rogers, which became part of Oneida Ltd. in 1929. The brand is a major American silver-plating manufacturer known for widespread distribution and mid-market consumer goods.
Pattern: Pattern No. 3470; style appears to be a Mid-Century Colonial or Georgian revival production.
Type
Hollowware (serving platter or tray)
Maker
Wm. A. Rogers, which became part of Oneida Ltd. in 1929. The brand is a major American silver-plating manufacturer known for widespread distribution and mid-market consumer goods.
Material
Silver plate over a brass base metal. Most surfaces are electroplated. Features 'Lead MTS' (Lead Mounts) for decorative cast borders.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 10-14 inches based on typical model 3470 serving trays. Weight is significantly lower than solid sterling due to the brass substrate.
Description
A classic American silver-plated serving tray featuring a brass core for durability and a high-shine silver exterior. The piece utilizes the 'Lead Mount' technique, allowing for intricate decorative borders that were popular for achieving a luxury look at an accessible price point.
Key Features
Explicit 'Silver Plate on Brass' stamp; use of 'Lead Mts' which is a common industrial shortcut for ornate borders; specific Oneida/Rogers catalog numbering (#3470).
Material & Composition
Silver plate over a brass base metal. Most surfaces are electroplated. Features 'Lead MTS' (Lead Mounts) for decorative cast borders.
Finish & Decoration
Mechanically polished mirror finish; characteristics include heavy surface scratches from cleaning and typical oxidation (blue/brown tarnish). Style is likely Neo-Classical or Victorian Revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'WM. A. ROGERS' in a rectangular cartouche; 'SILVER PLATE ON BRASS' indicating material; 'LEAD MTS' indicating cast lead-alloy borders; and model number '3470'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed body from a flat brass sheet with applied cast lead-alloy decorative rims (mounts) that are soldered to the edge before electroplating.
Functional Features
Flat serving surface with raised decorative rim to prevent spills; suitable for beverages, hors d'oeuvres, or display.
Handle & Grip Details
Likely a round or oval rimmed tray without separate handles, though some variations of No. 3470 include integral side handles cast into the rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial assembly-line quality. The stamps are somewhat unevenly struck. The lead mounts provide a high-relief decorative effect without the labor-intensive chasing found in handmade sterling.
Authentication Indicators
The stamps are clearly die-struck and consistent with known Oneida/Rogers industrial marking practices. The presence of 'Lead Mts' is a definitive indicator of silver-plated construction, never used in sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely manufactured in Sherrill, New York (Oneida's factory) or a related workshop under the Wm. A. Rogers trademark.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1930-1960). While mimicking 18th-century styles, the marking conventions and typeface are characteristic of the Oneida-era production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The stamp format is consistent with post-1929 Oneida acquisition mass production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining in the early-to-mid 20th century, allowing middle-class households to own items that mimicked the formal hollowware of the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy 'spider-web' scratching across the center from improper abrasive cleaning. Moderate tarnish present. No evidence of 'bleeding' (brass showing through), but the plate is thin in areas.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD. Value is decorative rather than metal-based; silver-plated trays on brass have low scrap value but remain popular for home use and weddings.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive 'silver dips' or scrubbers. Use a mild paste like Wright's Silver Cream with a soft cotton cloth. Because the base is brass, over-polishing will eventually reveal a yellowish tint ('bleeding').
Similar Pieces
International Silver Co. 'Camille' pattern or Gorham 'Heritage' silverplate. Both offer similar brass/plate construction with slightly different floral ornamentations.
Interesting Facts
The Wm. A. Rogers company was so successful that many other companies used the 'Rogers' name to ride their coattails, leading to one of the most confusing trademark histories in American silver.