1847 Rogers Bros. Silver Plated Flatware Piece
Flatware (Serving Piece or Utensil) · 1847 Rogers Bros. (a brand of the International Silver Co.), highly famous for producing durable and accessible silver-plated flatware in the United States since the mid-19th century.
Pattern: Unidentified specific pattern, produced under the famous 1847 Rogers Bros. line, which introduced countless popular household flatware patterns over more than a century.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece or Utensil)
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros. (a brand of the International Silver Co.), highly famous for producing durable and accessible silver-plated flatware in the United States since the mid-19th century.
Material
Silver Plated (Electroplated Silver on a nickel silver or base metal alloy core, commonly known as EPNS or white metal).
Dimensions
Standard domestic flatware dimensions, weight typical of electroplated nickel-silver utensils.
Description
An authentic silver-plated flatware handle bearing the classic and widely collected '1847 Rogers Bros.' maker's mark alongside the International Silver logo. The piece exhibits a dark natural tarnish patina and classic vertical fluted architectural lines along the stem, representing a staple of American middle-class dining history.
Key Features
Legible '1847 ROGERS BROS.' maker stamp combined with the 'IS' (International Silver) circle hallmark, deep longitudinal ribbing on the stem.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (Electroplated Silver on a nickel silver or base metal alloy core, commonly known as EPNS or white metal).
Finish & Decoration
Standard polished or satin-buffed finish with raised structural ribs or handle tapering typical of mid-century or late-Victorian domestic flatware lines.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clearly marked with the hallmark '1847 ROGERS BROS.' accompanied by the International Silver Company (IS) cartouche/logo, indicating silver-plated ware rather than solid sterling.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via drop-hammer or die-striking techniques from base metal blanks, followed by electroplating and buffing.
Functional Features
Designed for standard dining or serving use with an ergonomic handle for comfortable grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered handle with vertical fluting or ribbing details for grip and aesthetic enhancement, made of the same silver-plated base metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial-grade factory production showcasing clean die-struck detailing and reliable electroplating execution.
Authentication Indicators
The trademark typography, exact spacing of '1847 ROGERS BROS.', and the companion IS logo accurately match historical manufacturing stamps of the International Silver Company.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States by the International Silver Company, continuing the legacy of the original Rogers brothers' workshop traditions.
Era & Period
Likely mid-20th Century (c. 1930s-1950s) based on the specific style of the IS trademark logo stamp used alongside the 1847 Rogers Bros. inscription.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930 to 1960, corresponding to the era when the circular 'IS' mark was standardly paired with the 1847 Rogers Bros. stamp.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of elegant dining in America, allowing middle-class households to afford table settings that visually emulated solid sterling silver.
Condition Notes
Moderate to heavy natural tarnish (sulfide patina) with surface micro-scratches consistent with age and storage. Structural integrity remains solid with no breaks or major bends.
Value Estimate
Modest collector or scrap utility value, typically ranging from $5 to $20 depending on whether it is part of a larger matched set.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a gentle commercial silver cream (such as Wright's) using a soft cloth. Avoid harsh abrasive pads to protect the underlying electroplated silver layer.
Similar Pieces
Other mid-20th-century silver-plated flatware lines by Holmes & Edwards, Oneida, or Community.
Interesting Facts
The '1847' in the brand name does not signify the year the specific pattern was made, but rather the founding year when the Rogers brothers first pioneered silver plating techniques in Hartford, Connecticut.