International Silver 'Evening Star' Pattern Silver-Plated Table Knife
Flatware - Table Knife (Hollow Handle) · International Silver Company (Oneida-merger lineage), a dominant 20th-century American manufacturer established in 1898 through the union of several prominent silver workshops.
Pattern: 'Evening Star', introduced in 1950. It was one of the most successful mid-century patterns in the '1847 Rogers Bros' line.
Type
Flatware - Table Knife (Hollow Handle)
Maker
International Silver Company (Oneida-merger lineage), a dominant 20th-century American manufacturer established in 1898 through the union of several prominent silver workshops.
Material
Silver plate on white metal base. The handle is likely hollow-constructed with the blade being stainless steel. These are often stamped '1847 Rogers Bros' which indicates premium electroplating rather than solid sterling.
Dimensions
Standard table/dinner knife length is approximately 9 to 9.5 inches. Weight varies due to the hollow-handle construction and stainless steel blade insert.
Description
A classic example of 1950s American domesticity, the Evening Star pattern balances mid-century linearity with traditional floral charm. The design features a stylized flower basket near the base, framed by architectural vertical ridges that give the piece a sense of height and elegance.
Key Features
The 'star' of the design is the intricate floral cluster at the base of the handle and the 'triple dot/dash' pattern along the vertical ridges which mimics a star-lit trail.
Material & Composition
Silver plate on white metal base. The handle is likely hollow-constructed with the blade being stainless steel. These are often stamped '1847 Rogers Bros' which indicates premium electroplating rather than solid sterling.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with Art Deco-infused floral motifs. Features vertical reeding, a central floral basket (cartouche) with scroll accents, and a distinctive 'stepped' geometric border along the handle edge.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped '1847 ROGERS BROS. IS' on the neck or blade. The 'IS' stands for International Silver. It will likely not have a 'Sterling' mark as this design was a flagship plated pattern.
Construction Details
Machine-die struck handle consisting of two halves soldered together (hollow handle). The stainless steel blade is secured into the handle using cement or solder pinning.
Functional Features
Rounded 'bolster' where the handle meets the blade for ergonomic grip; serrated or straight-edge stainless blade for durability and rust resistance.
Handle & Grip Details
Durable hollow metal handle with embossed decoration; the rounded 'paddle' end is typical of 1950s American flatware design for comfortable palm fit.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial mass production. The die-work is crisp, showing clear definition in the floral petals and the fine lines of the reeded handle.
Authentication Indicators
Pattern design perfectly matches International Silver's 1950 catalog. The depth of the die-striking is consistent with authentic 1847 Rogers Bros production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA; the historic hub of the International Silver Company's manufacturing operations.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War Era (c. 1950). While it features floral elements reminiscent of older styles, the clean vertical lines are quintessential 1950s design aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960. The pattern was incredibly popular during this decade as a bridal registry favorite.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of American silver plate when high-quality plated sets were a standard wedding gift for middle-class households, making luxury aesthetics accessible to a wider audience.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The image shows light surface scratches consistent with use ('patina'). No visible 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver), though some tarnish is present in the recessed areas of the design.
Value Estimate
$5 to $15 USD per individual knife. Prices fluctuate based on whether the blade is the original 'Mirrorstele' and the overall thickness of the remaining silver plate.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash recommended; avoid citrus-based detergents. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's for the handle. Do not soak, as water can seep into the hollow handle and loosen the blade cement.
Similar Pieces
Oneida 'Morning Star' or 'Coronation' patterns. Compared to 'Morning Star', 'Evening Star' has more pronounced vertical reeding and a more structured floral basket.
Interesting Facts
The '1847' in the brand name does not refer to the year the piece was made, but rather the year the Rogers brothers perfected the electroplating process in Hartford, CT.