Wm. A. Rogers Silver Plate Hollowware Piece (likely Tray or Bowl)
Hollowware · Wm. A. Rogers (William A. Rogers), a prolific American brand that became a primary division of Oneida Silversmiths in 1929. The brand is known for high-volume, affordable silver-plated household goods.
Pattern: Indeterminate from image; the model number '924' suggests a standard mid-century catalog line produced by Oneida under the Rogers mark.
Type
Hollowware
Maker
Wm. A. Rogers (William A. Rogers), a prolific American brand that became a primary division of Oneida Silversmiths in 1929. The brand is known for high-volume, affordable silver-plated household goods.
Material
Silver Plated on Copper (indicated by the 'E.P. COPPER' stamp). The base metal is copper, which has been electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-15 inches depending on form; weight is generally heavy due to the copper core and lead alloy mounts, but silver content is negligible (plating only).
Description
This is a classic example of American mass-market silver plate. Produced under the famous Wm. A. Rogers name, this piece represents the democratic era of silver, where the look of luxury was made accessible to the general public through electroplated copper. The '924' mark distinguishes it as a specific catalog item in Oneida's extensive hollowware inventory.
Key Features
The 'E.P. COPPER' stamp is the most critical identification feature, as it confirms the piece has no intrinsic 'scrap' silver value and is an electroplated decorative item rather than sterling silver.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated on Copper (indicated by the 'E.P. COPPER' stamp). The base metal is copper, which has been electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Finish & Decoration
The item appears to have a bright polished silver finish. Most items in this specific '924' line feature gadroon borders or simple etched floral motifs typical of mid-20th-century decorative styles.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamps include: 'Wm. A. ROGERS' in a rectangular frame; 'E. P. COPPER' (Electroplated Copper); 'LEAD MOUNTS' (indicating decorative borders are cast in a lead alloy for weight and detail); and the catalog/model number '924'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun copper body with die-cast lead alloy decorative elements soldered to the edges (Lead Mounts). The entire assembly was then electroplated with silver.
Functional Features
Standard serving utility; as hollowware, it is designed for food service or tabletop display. The 'Lead Mounts' provide structural rigidity and weighted stability.
Handle & Grip Details
If present, handles would be cast base metal (likely the same lead alloy as the mounts) soldered to the copper body prior to plating.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; the piece is machine-made with hand-soldered mounts. The precision of the '924' stamp indicates a standardized factory production line.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are clear and consistent with known Oneida/Rogers industrial stamps. The lack of a 'Sterling' or '925' mark confirms its status as silver plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (likely Niagara Falls, NY or Sherrill, NY), manufactured by Oneida Ltd. using high-efficiency industrial electroplating processes.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1930s-1950s); a period where mass-produced silver plate was a staple in middle-class American households.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The specific layout of the 'Wm. A. Rogers' mark and the font used for the 'E.P. Copper' stamp are consistent with mid-century Oneida production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Silver Plate Era' of the American middle class, where large dinner parties and tea service sets were a required social signifier of the domestic sphere.
Condition Notes
The image shows significant surface scratching and blurring, which may indicate 'bleeding' (where the silver plating has worn thin, revealing the pinkish copper beneath). Overall condition appears 'Good' for a vintage utility piece.
Value Estimate
$10 - $35 USD. Silver-plated copper hollowware from this era is widely available and typically holds value as a decorative or functional item rather than an investment piece.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Do not over-polish, as the silver layer is very thin and excessive rubbing will expose the copper base (bleeding). Hand wash only; never place in a dishwasher.
Similar Pieces
Similar pieces by International Silver (IS), Sheridan, or Reed & Barton. Note that 'Sterling' versions of such items would lack the 'E.P. Copper' stamp and weigh considerably less if the sterling is not 'weighted'.
Interesting Facts
The 'Wm. A. Rogers' mark is one of the most common marks found in American households today. There was frequent litigation in the late 19th century because so many different manufacturers (including Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co.) used variations of the 'Rogers' name to capitalize on its high reputation.