W.H. Rogers 'Old Colony' Pattern Silver Plate Tablespoon/Serving Spoon
Flatware - Tablespoon/Serving Spoon · William Rogers Manufacturing Co. (later part of International Silver), established mid-19th century in Hartford, CT. Noted for high-quality American silver-plated flatware and distinct branding wars between various 'Rogers' brothers.
Pattern: 'Old Colony' pattern, first introduced in 1911. It was a flagship pattern for the 1847 Rogers Bros. line/International Silver, remaining popular into the mid-20th century.
Type
Flatware - Tablespoon/Serving Spoon
Maker
William Rogers Manufacturing Co. (later part of International Silver), established mid-19th century in Hartford, CT. Noted for high-quality American silver-plated flatware and distinct branding wars between various 'Rogers' brothers.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a non-ferrous alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc, coated with a thin layer of fine silver via electroplating.
Dimensions
Estimated length 8.25 to 8.5 inches (approx. 21 cm). Weight approximately 60-75 grams. This is a larger tablespan, not a standard teaspoon.
Description
A classic example of American 'High Silver Plate' era flatware, this Old Colony tablespoon exhibits the ornate, dignified style favored for formal Sunday dinners in the early 1900s. The pattern is characterized by its architectural scrollwork and pierced-look medallions, offering the visual weight of sterling without the cost.
Key Features
The distinctive 'through-hole' look medallion at the neck of the handle and the tripartite scrollwork at the tip of the handle are the primary diagnostic features of the Old Colony pattern.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a non-ferrous alloy of nickel, copper, and zinc, coated with a thin layer of fine silver via electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
Late Victorian/Edwardian aesthetic featuring a fiddle-shaped handle with a central pierced-effect circular medallion, scrollwork, and a fleur-de-lis motif at the terminal and neck. Surface shows a naturally aged, heavy tarnish patina.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the reverse with '1847 ROGERS BROS' or 'WM ROGERS & SON' followed by 'IS' (International Silver). It may include an 'A1' or 'XS Triple' mark indicating the thickness of the silver plating.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a sheet of nickel silver and then electroplated. This was a mass-production technique that allowed for high-detail relief patterns at a lower price point than sterling silver.
Functional Features
Large, deep oval bowl designed for serving vegetables or side dishes. The thick handle provides a sturdy grip for heavy servings.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integral to the spoon. Featuring a flared terminal with scrolling edges and a distinctive circular 'knot' decoration at the mid-section near the bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-striking shows crisp detail in the scrolls. The balance is heavy in the hand, indicative of the 'Triple Plate' standard used for the Rogers Bros premium lines.
Authentication Indicators
The pattern is a well-documented International Silver design. The weight and feel are consistent with nickel silver rather than sterling. Lack of a '925' or 'Sterling' mark confirms it is plated.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, likely Meriden or Hartford, Connecticut—the historic hub of the American silver plating industry.
Era & Period
Transition from Edwardian to early 20th Century (c. 1911-1930). The design incorporates Neo-Renaissance and late Victorian influences common in early 20th-century American homes.
Age Estimate
Circa 1911-1925 based on the pattern introduction date and the specific stylistic execution of the bowl shape.
Cultural Significance
This piece represents the democratization of luxury in the early 20th century, allowing middle-class families to own elaborate, coordinated table services that mimicked the styles of the wealthy.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is heavy surface tarnish (oxidation) and visible 'heel wear' on the back of the bowl where it rests on the table. The plating appears intact but needs professional polishing to assess for 'bleeding' (base metal showing through).
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. While historically interesting, silver-plated individual pieces have low market value compared to sterling, though rare serving pieces in this pattern can fetch slightly more.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive spirits or 'dip' cleaners which can strip the thin silver layer and expose the yellowish nickel base.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Gorham's 'Chantilly' (Sterling) or Reed & Barton's 'Francis I' due to the scrollwork, though the distinct circular neck medallion is unique to this Rogers pattern.
Interesting Facts
The '1847 Rogers Bros' brand was so successful that many unrelated companies tried to use the 'Rogers' name, leading to famous legal battles over trademark and brand identity.