International Silver Co. Rogers & Son AA Silver Plate Spoon
Flatware · International Silver Co. (IS), specifically the Rogers & Son brand. International Silver was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by merging several independent New England silver manufacturers including the original Rogers families. They are historically significant for standardizing quality in American silver plate.
Pattern: Fiddle-style handle with longitudinal threading, commonly associated with the 'Old English' or 'Thread' design lineages. The specific variant belongs to the Rogers & Son line, generally dating to the early-to-mid 20th century.
Type
Flatware
Maker
International Silver Co. (IS), specifically the Rogers & Son brand. International Silver was formed in 1898 in Meriden, Connecticut, by merging several independent New England silver manufacturers including the original Rogers families. They are historically significant for standardizing quality in American silver plate.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electrolytically coated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Estimated length 6-7 inches (teaspoon size). Standard weight for silver-plated flatware, approximately 35-45 grams. Silver plate is typically heavier and stiffer than sterling due to the nickel silver core.
Description
A classic piece of American silver-plated flatware, this spoon features a double-threaded fiddle-style handle. The 'Rogers' name carries immense historical weight, referencing the pioneers of American silver plating. Produced by International Silver, this piece represents the 'everyman\'s silver,' designed to bring the elegance of sterling patterns to a broader middle-class market with greater durability and lower cost.
Key Features
Diamond-encased 'R' and 'S' maker's marks, longitudinal threading decoration, and a flared handle terminal consistent with Federal or Neoclassical revivals.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electrolytically coated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished silver finish with deep longitudinal grooves (threading) running along the stem. The primary decoration is a 'Threaded' edge, a classic Neoclassical design element often used to frame the handle shape.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'R' and 'S' inside diamonds stand for 'Rogers & Son'. The presence of these specific diamond marks identifies it as a product of International Silver Co. using one of their heritage Rogers brand names. The marks are stamped into a recessed 'cartouche' indicative of mass-production die-striking.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a long strip of nickel silver and then electroplated. This is a machine-made industrial product designed for high-volume consumer use and durability.
Functional Features
Reinforced handle neck to prevent bending under pressure. Flat-back design for stable placement on table settings.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle (not hollow or weighted). The threading provides a tactile grip and helps hide surface scratches during regular use.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-finished quality. The die-work is precise, ensuring uniformity across thousands of pieces. It lacks the 'hand-wrought' irregularities of heirloom silver but offers superior structural consistency.
Authentication Indicators
The marks are consistent with known IS/Rogers catalogs. The wear pattern is typical for electroplate; tarnish is dark and even. The crispness of the die-strike indicates a genuine factory product rather than a cast reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured at the International Silver Co. factories, which were the world's largest silver-plating operations at the time.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century / Depression Era. While threading is a Georgian-style motif, the manufacturing style and hallmark configuration suggest a production date between 1910 and 1950.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920–1945. The 'AA' or standard silver plate designation often accompanied these 'RS' diamond marks during this period of American flatware history.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the democratization of luxury in early 20th-century America. Silver plate allowed families of modest means to follow formal dining etiquette that was previously reserved for the wealthy.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The image shows significant tarnish (sulfide oxidation) but no obvious 'bleeding' (where the base metal shows through the silver). Surface scratches are visible, consistent with moderate use. No visible structural cracks or bending.
Value Estimate
$2 - $10 USD. Silver-plated individual pieces have low market value due to lack of precious metal content, typically sold as 'replacements' for existing sets.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cotton cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges which will strip the thin silver layer and expose the yellow-green nickel silver base. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest.
Similar Pieces
Gorham Threaded sterling (same look, much higher value/precious metal content), Tiffany English King (more ornate but similar border concept), Oneida Community Plate (main market competitor).
Interesting Facts
The 'Rogers' name was so valuable that over 100 different companies used it in the 19th century to boost sales, leading to decades of lawsuits until International Silver consolidated the main 'Rogers' brands.