1847 Rogers Bros. Silver Plated Flatware Piece
Flatware · 1847 Rogers Bros. by International Silver Co. The brand was established by brothers Asa, William, and Simeon Rogers in Hartford, CT, later becoming a premier line for International Silver.
Pattern: Fiddle-style variant or Colonial revival; requires a full-face view for definitive pattern identification. The 'A1' indicates standard high-quality plating for the era.
Type
Flatware
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros. by International Silver Co. The brand was established by brothers Asa, William, and Simeon Rogers in Hartford, CT, later becoming a premier line for International Silver.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy known as Nickel Silver, coated with a thin layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Dimensions
Standard flatware proportions (approx. 6-9 inches depending on piece type). Weight is heavier than sterling due to the density of the base nickel silver alloy.
Description
This is a quintessential piece of American heritage tableware. The 1847 Rogers Bros. line brought the elegance of silver to the middle class, offering durable, beautifully designed pieces that mimicked the look of solid sterling at a fraction of the cost.
Key Features
The 'A1' quality mark and the '1847' date. The stamp is crisp and deep, indicating a genuine International Silver production rather than a generic knockoff.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy known as Nickel Silver, coated with a thin layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and tarnished silver finish with linear recessed borders. Features a classic fiddle-shaped handle silhouette common in mid-century American tableware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '1847 ROGERS BROS AI' followed by a circular logo. '1847' refers to the founding year, not the production date. 'AI' or 'A1' is a quality grade for the thickness of silver plating.
Construction Details
Mass-produced via die-striking. High-pressure steam or hydraulic presses were used to stamp the pattern and form out of sheet metal, followed by electrobath plating.
Functional Features
Tapered handle for ergonomic grip; designed for durability in daily household table service.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid construction with flared terminal. The back of the handle shows the characteristic horizontal stamp placement used by the Rogers brothers brands.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-made industrial quality. Very consistent strike and clean edges, demonstrating the high-volume precision of American silverplate factories.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic manufacturer stamps with correct typeface alignment. Wear patterns are consistent with electroplated items rather than solid sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, likely Meriden or Hartford, Connecticut. Manufactured by International Silver Company, the largest silver conglomerate in the world at that time.
Era & Period
Early to mid-20th Century (likely 1920-1950) based on the stamp style and font, following Colonial or Art Deco simplified aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930-1950. While the stamp says 1847, this specific typeface and the AI designation were common in the first half of the 1900s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in American dining. These sets were the standard wedding gift for millions of couples throughout the 20th century.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant tarnish (sulfide buildup) and localized 'silver loss' where the base metal may be showing through the plating (bleeding). Surface shows micro-scratching from use.
Value Estimate
Low market value. Single pieces typically sell for $1-$5 USD. Complete sets in chests range from $50-$150 depending on pattern and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing, as abrasive cleaners will eventually remove the thin silver layer and expose the yellowish-grey base metal.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community Plate, Reed & Barton silverplate, or Gorham silverplate. Sterling alternatives would be marked '925' or 'Sterling'.
Interesting Facts
The '1847' brand name is one of the most successful marketing ploys in history; it was so respected that many families mistakenly believe their items are over 150 years old or solid silver.