Wm. Rogers & Son AA Silver Plated Teaspoon in the 'Victorian' Pattern
Flatware (Teaspoon) · Wm. Rogers & Son, a prominent brand under the International Silver Company (ISCo) umbrella since 1898. Originally established by the Rogers brothers, this specific mark represents their widely-distributed silver-plate line known for durable, affordable American housewares.
Pattern: Victorian pattern, introduced circa 1934-1940. This pattern is discontinued and is characterized by its scrolled shoulders and traditional fiddle-shape silhouette.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
Wm. Rogers & Son, a prominent brand under the International Silver Company (ISCo) umbrella since 1898. Originally established by the Rogers brothers, this specific mark represents their widely-distributed silver-plate line known for durable, affordable American housewares.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The 'AA' designation indicates a specific grade of silver plating thickness, generally higher than standard plate but below triple-plated quality.
Dimensions
Standard Teaspoon: approximately 6.0 to 6.25 inches in length. Estimated weight is 30-35 grams. Smaller than a place spoon or tablespoon.
Description
A classic example of mid-20th-century American silver plate. This teaspoon from the Wm. Rogers & Son 'Victorian' line features graceful scrollwork that mimics the ornate styles of the 1800s while utilizing more efficient 1930s industrial manufacturing. It is a workhorse piece of American flatware that was often sold in large sets to the growing middle class.
Key Features
Scrolled shoulder detail, 'AA' quality stamp, fiddle-shaped handle finial, and the absence of 'Sterling' marks.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The 'AA' designation indicates a specific grade of silver plating thickness, generally higher than standard plate but below triple-plated quality.
Finish & Decoration
Semi-polished finish with heavy natural tarnish (oxidation). The design features a late Rococo Revival style with raised scrollwork along the stem, a scalloped finial, and a plain, unmonogrammed bowl.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'WM. ROGERS & SON AA' on the reverse of the handle. 'AA' is the quality symbol for the plating thickness; 'WM. ROGERS & SON' is the manufacturer identity. No sterling marks or assay office icons are present, confirming it is plated.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-striking. The spoon is struck from a single piece of nickel silver base metal and then electroplated. This is a high-volume, mass-produced industrial item.
Functional Features
Standard oval bowl for stirring and measuring; the fiddle-style handle provides a wider surface area for a more comfortable grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated into the bowl; decorative embossing on the front and back of the handle to provide texture and aesthetic appeal.
Craftsmanship Details
Refinement is good for mass-produced ware; die-work is clear and symmetry is excellent, though it lacks the hand-finished sharpness found in high-end sterling pieces.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp is crisp and consistent with known Rogers marks. The 'AA' mark is a definitive indicator of silver plate rather than solid silver. Wear patterns are consistent with a daily-use kitchen utensil.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, likely in Meriden, Connecticut, the historic hub for the International Silver Company's factories.
Era & Period
Transition from Late Art Deco to Mid-Century Traditionalism (c. 1930s-1940s). While named 'Victorian,' the design is a 20th-century revival of 19th-century motifs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1934–1950. The specific typeface of the 'Wm. Rogers & Son' mark and the pattern introduction date suggest mid-20th century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in American households. By providing silver-plated items that looked like solid silver, companies like Wm. Rogers & Son allowed middle-class families to set formal tables without the expense of sterling.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Shows heavy surface tarnish (sulfide deposits), which is normal for silver kept in open air. There are visible surface scratches consistent with use. No signs of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver), though a thorough cleaning would reveal the true state of the plating.
Value Estimate
$2 - $7 USD. As an individual plated teaspoon in a common pattern, its value is mainly replacement or sentimental rather than as an investment or for its metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) using a soft sponge. Avoid 'dip' cleaners for plated items as they can strip the thin silver layer. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest or cloth roll.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with 'Rogers & Bro' or '1847 Rogers Bros' (specifically the Heritage or First Love patterns). Similar to Oneida Community Plate or Reed & Barton plated lines.
Interesting Facts
The Rogers name was so synonymous with quality in the 19th and early 20th centuries that many unrelated companies used the name 'Rogers' to boost sales, leading to dozens of variations of the name in the silver market.