Wm. A. Rogers Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPBM) Hollowware Piece
Hollowware (likely a tray, bowl, or lidded dish) · Wm. A. Rogers, an American silversmith and manufacturer who expanded operations to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. They became one of several companies under the Oneida Ltd. umbrella in 1929.
Pattern: Likely a utilitarian or classic hotelware-style pattern; specific pattern name undecipherable from current view, identified by internal batch number '5-5-1'.
Type
Hollowware (likely a tray, bowl, or lidded dish)
Maker
Wm. A. Rogers, an American silversmith and manufacturer who expanded operations to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. They became one of several companies under the Oneida Ltd. umbrella in 1929.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Electroplated White Metal (EPWM). The stamp 'E.P. W.M.' indicates electroplated white metal/Britannia metal, a base alloy of tin, antimony, and copper coated in silver.
Dimensions
Estimated medium hollowware size (8-12 inches) with a heavy feel due to the dense white metal base; weight would be substantial but not indicative of silver value.
Description
This is a sturdy piece of Canadian-made silver plate by the renowned Wm. A. Rogers company. While not solid sterling, these pieces represent the industrial peak of household silver, designed for durability and a high-luster finish that mimics solid silver at a fraction of the cost.
Key Features
The 'Hamilton, Ont.' mark which distinguishes it from the company's New York origins, and the 'E.P. W.M.' designation identifying it as silver-plate rather than sterling.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Electroplated White Metal (EPWM). The stamp 'E.P. W.M.' indicates electroplated white metal/Britannia metal, a base alloy of tin, antimony, and copper coated in silver.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish typical of mass-produced silver plate. Minimal decoration visible around the stamp suggesting a focus on clean, mid-20th-century lines or institutional durability.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'WM. A. ROGERS', 'HAMILTON, ONT.', 'E.P. W.M.', and the production number '55-1' or '5-5-1'. The presence of an arrow-like or maltese cross graphic (partially obscured) is a known Rogers trademark.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun hollowware with electroplated finish. The uniform depth of the stamp suggests high-pressure industrial striking.
Functional Features
Functional serving piece features; likely a flat or slightly recessed interior for serving food or holding tea accoutrements.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A based on image; likely features simple, soldered-on handles consistent with mass-produced Canadian silver plate.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The stamp is crisp and perfectly aligned, indicating good quality control during the manufacturing process in Ontario.
Authentication Indicators
Clearly struck factory marks and the specific Hamilton, Ontario geographical identification confirm its origin within the Oneida-Rogers production line.
Origin & Manufacturing
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Manufactured at the Wm. A. Rogers Ltd. factory which specialized in bringing American silver-plating techniques to the Canadian market.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (post-1929 after Oneida acquisition) reflecting the late industrial period of Canadian silver production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930–1950 based on the 'Hamilton, Ont' designation and the font style of the W.M. stamp.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining in the early-to-mid 20th century, allowing middle-class Canadian families to own sets that appeared luxurious.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The surface shows light 'spider-web' scratching consistent with gentle use. No significant 'bleeding' (base metal showing through) is visible in the provided view.
Value Estimate
$15 – $45 USD. Value is based on decorative utility rather than precious metal content, as the piece has no scrap silver value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing as it will eventually wear through the thin silver layer to the gray white metal base.
Similar Pieces
International Silver Co. (IS) silver plate, Benedict Silver Co. (Canadian), or Birks Regency Plate.
Interesting Facts
Wm. A. Rogers was famously litigious regarding the use of the 'Rogers' name, as there were dozens of unrelated silver companies using it to capitalize on the reputation of the Rogers Brothers.