International Silver Company 'Wild Rose' Silverplate Individual Pastry Fork
Flatware (Pastry/Cake Fork) · International Silver Company (IS), specifically produced under the Wm. Rogers & Son brand which was one of their most popular mid-market lines in the early 20th century.
Pattern: 'Wild Rose' pattern, introduced in 1941. It remains a popular discontinued vintage pattern often found in family estate collections.
Type
Flatware (Pastry/Cake Fork)
Maker
International Silver Company (IS), specifically produced under the Wm. Rogers & Son brand which was one of their most popular mid-market lines in the early 20th century.
Material
Silverplate over a base metal (likely nickel silver or brass). The yellowish hue showing through the tarnish suggests the plating has worn thin or 'bled' through to the base metal.
Dimensions
Approximately 6 to 6.25 inches in length. Estimated weight: 30-40 grams per piece.
Description
A classic example of American mid-century silverplated flatware, the Wild Rose pattern captures the traditionalist desire for ornate, floral tableware. This specific form is a pastry fork, designed specifically for the dessert course. It features delicate rose detailing along the handle edge and a wide, notched shoulder above the tines.
Key Features
Distinctive notched pastry tine; Wild Rose pattern's signature five-petaled rose emblems; Wm. Rogers brand markers.
Material & Composition
Silverplate over a base metal (likely nickel silver or brass). The yellowish hue showing through the tarnish suggests the plating has worn thin or 'bled' through to the base metal.
Finish & Decoration
The pattern features an ornate floral aesthetic with rose blossoms and scrolls on the handle's terminal and neck. The finish is currently heavily tarnished with a mix of dark oxides and golden-hued patina.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expect to see 'WM. ROGERS & SON' and 'IS' (International Silver) stamped on the reverse of the handle. It may also include 'WILD ROSE'. Lack of 'Sterling' indicates silverplate.
Construction Details
Die-struck/Machine-made. The tines are cut and shaped by heavy machinery, with the floral relief stamped under high pressure into the metal blank.
Functional Features
Individual pastry fork design with a wider left-hand tine (often slightly notched) to assist in cutting through firm crusts or cakes without a knife.
Handle & Grip Details
Flat, contoured handle with a flared, scalloped terminal. The decoration is integral to the handle casting (solid metal, not hollow).
Craftsmanship Details
Typical mass-market high-quality die-stamping. While not hand-wrought, the detail in the rose blossoms shows the precision of mid-century industrial die-making.
Authentication Indicators
Pattern matches known International Silver 'Wild Rose' archives; stamp styling is consistent with 1940s machine-marking; wear patterns are consistent with electroplated items of this age.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA, manufactured at the International Silver Company's massive production facilities in Meriden, Connecticut.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1940s-1950s), reflecting the floral romanticism that remained popular in American households following the Depression.
Age Estimate
Circa 1941 through the late 1950s. The heavy wear suggests a lifetime of household use.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'elegant' dining in the 20th century, where silverplated sets allowed middle-class families to emulate the lifestyle of the wealthy.
Condition Notes
Fair condition. Significant tarnish and surface oxidation. Visible wear to the silver plating (base metal showing through). Tines appear straight but the surface requires professional-grade cleaning.
Value Estimate
$5 - $12 per piece in current market, depending on how well the plating restores after cleaning.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive pads. Because the plating is already thin, do not over-polish or use ultrasonic cleaners.
Similar Pieces
Oneida 'Evening Star', Gorham 'Buttercup' (Sterling), or Wallace Silversmiths' rose-themed plated lines.
Interesting Facts
International Silver was once the largest silver company in the world and absorbed nearly all iconic American manufacturers, including the original Rogers brothers' legacies.