Wm. A. Rogers Silverplated Brass Hollowware Serving Piece
Hollowware · Wm. A. Rogers, a well-known American silver-plated flatware and hollowware manufacturer. The brand was acquired by the International Silver Company in 1898 and became a staple producer of accessible, quality silverplate in the United States.
Pattern: Utility or standard service line, denoted by the production or pattern number 2228.
Type
Hollowware
Maker
Wm. A. Rogers, a well-known American silver-plated flatware and hollowware manufacturer. The brand was acquired by the International Silver Company in 1898 and became a staple producer of accessible, quality silverplate in the United States.
Material
Silver Plated Brass (S.P. Brass). It features a base metal of brass with a silver-plated exterior layer.
Dimensions
Dimensions are difficult to determine precisely from the base detail alone, but the base diameter appears to be approximately 3 to 4 inches. Weight is characteristic of brass-core hollowware.
Description
An authentic base view of a silver-plated brass hollowware piece by Wm. A. Rogers. The underside exhibits rich oxidation, copper-toned tarnish, and extensive circular polishing or usage wear marks. Clear manufacturer stamps definitively identify the maker, material composition, and inventory number.
Key Features
Clear manufacturer stamps including the Wm. A. Rogers boxed signature and the explicit "S.P. BRASS" material declaration.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated Brass (S.P. Brass). It features a base metal of brass with a silver-plated exterior layer.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver-plated finish with visible surface micro-scratches from use, displaying heavy natural tarnish and patina development.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Impressed maker mark reading "WM. A. ROGERS" inside a rectangular border, followed by "S.P. BRASS" indicating silver-plated brass, and the pattern/production number "2228" underneath.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured or spun hollowware base with applied handle joints, typical of mass-produced commercial silverplate from the mid-20th century.
Functional Features
Features a sturdy flat base for stability and an upright handle attachment visible at the top edge of the frame.
Handle & Grip Details
Includes a simple soldered metal handle attachment extending from the main body, consistent with utility hollowware design.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial-grade manufacturing with stamped marks and functional assembly, prioritizing durability and affordability over hand-wrought artistry.
Authentication Indicators
The stamped block lettering for Wm. A. Rogers combined with "S.P. BRASS" and numerical inventory digits match historical manufacturer marking conventions for post-merger International Silver production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States by Wm. A. Rogers, reflecting American mass-production standards for plated household dining wares.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1930s-1950s), based on the standard trademark usage of Wm. A. Rogers under the International Silver Company umbrella.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930 to 1960.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of dining wares in American households, making silver-appearance hollowware accessible to middle-class families.
Condition Notes
Moderate to heavy tarnish, surface pitting, and extensive fine scratches consistent with age, regular use, and storage. The structure remains intact with clear, legible hallmarks.
Value Estimate
Low market value, typically ranging from $10 to $30 USD, depending on the complete form of the piece and overall cosmetic condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a mild silver cream or foam specifically formulated for silverplate. Avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent wearing through the thin silver layer to the underlying brass base. Store in anti-tarnish bags.
Similar Pieces
Similar silver-plated hollowware items produced by International Silver subsidiaries, such as Wm. Rogers & Son or Holmes & Edwards.
Interesting Facts
The Wm. A. Rogers brand was created to compete with higher-end silver lines by offering affordable, attractive plated tableware to the mass market during the mid-century.