1847 Rogers Bros 'Eternally Yours' Silver Plate Flat Handle Butter Spreader
Flatware (Butter Spreader) · 1847 Rogers Bros, a premier brand of International Silver Company. Founded by the Rogers brothers in CT, they pioneered the electroplating process in the US. The brand was top-tier for silver plated goods.
Pattern: 'Eternally Yours', introduced in 1941. This is one of the most iconic mid-century American silver plate patterns, known for its openwork (pierced) design at the terminal. Production ended in the 1970s.
Type
Flatware (Butter Spreader)
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros, a premier brand of International Silver Company. Founded by the Rogers brothers in CT, they pioneered the electroplating process in the US. The brand was top-tier for silver plated goods.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electrically coated with a layer of fine silver. It is not solid sterling silver. Its composition is indicated by the absence of a 'Sterling' stamp.
Dimensions
Approximately 6.25 inches in length. Standard individual butter spreader size. Weight is roughly 30-35 grams; relatively light because it is silver plated over a base metal alloy.
Description
This 'Eternally Yours' butter spreader is a classic piece of Americana. It represents the height of the American silver plate industry, offering the luxury look of pierced sterling silver at a price point accessible to the post-war middle class. The romantic floral motif and heart-shaped piercing made it a favorite for wedding gifts and trousseaus for decades.
Key Features
The signature pierced heart/rose terminal and the '1847 Rogers Bros' stamp. Unlike many patterns, the pattern name is actually stamped on the piece, which was a marketing tactic used by International Silver.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electrically coated with a layer of fine silver. It is not solid sterling silver. Its composition is indicated by the absence of a 'Sterling' stamp.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish with oxidized details in the recesses to highlight the floral motifs. The decoration is Mid-Century traditional, featuring a pierced openwork terminal with a single rose and scrollwork.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on the reverse neck: '1847 ROGERS BROS.', 'IS' inside a circle and square (for International Silver), and the pattern name 'Eternally Yours' in script. These are trade marks rather than official government hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck from a single sheet of nickel silver before being electroplated. The terminal features a mechanical piercing/punch out. It is a solid, single-piece 'flat handle' construction.
Functional Features
Offset blade with a blunt, rounded tip designed for spreading butter or jam. The slight curvature of the blade helps in lifting butter from a dish. It lacks a sharp edge for safety on table linens.
Handle & Grip Details
Flat, integral handle tapering towards the neck. The terminal is flared with an openwork 'heart' shape framing a rose. The grip is ergonomic but thin, typical of mid-century mass-produced flatware.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing. The die-striking is deep and detailed. While not hand-wrought, the finishing is superior to modern silver-plated imports, with a thick enough silver deposit to last generations.
Authentication Indicators
Internal marks are crisp and consistent with authorized production. The openwork piercing is clean. The weight and 'IS' stamp confirm it is silver plate and not a later stainless steel reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Manufactured in the massive factories of International Silver Company, which consolidated many smaller New England silversmiths.
Era & Period
World War II and Early Mid-Century Modern (1940s-1950s). The design reflects a transition from late Art Deco floral themes into the more romantic, sentimental styles popular during and after WWII.
Age Estimate
Circa 1941-1955. Based on the script pattern name stamp and the high popularity of the pattern immediately following its 1941 release.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal dining culture of the 1940s and 50s where specialized pieces like butter spreaders were essential for middle-class social status. It symbolizes the 1940s 'sentimental era' in design.
Condition Notes
Grade: Good. Visible surface scratches (patina) consistent with age and use. Areas of tarnish/sulfide deposits are present, particularly in the crevices. There appears to be no 'plate loss' (wearing through to the base metal).
Value Estimate
Individual value: $5.00 - $12.00 USD. Value is mostly in the pattern's collectibility rather than metal content, as it is silver plate. Complete sets carry higher per-piece value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Do not use the 'foil and baking soda' method as it can damage the oxidation. Avoid the dishwasher to prevent 'heat tint' on the silver layer.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' (Sterling), Wallace 'Grand Baroque' (Sterling), or Rogers Bros 'First Love' (Plate). Alternatives are usually distinguished by whether they are solid sterling or plated.
Interesting Facts
'Eternally Yours' was the first silver-plated pattern to feature an openwork/pierced design, which was previously a technique reserved for expensive solid sterling silver. It was promotional as 'The pattern of your dreams.'