International Silver Rogers & Bro. 'Exquisite' Pattern Silverplate Grille Fork
Flatware - Grille Fork (Individual Dining Fork) · Rogers & Bro., a brand of the International Silver Company (IS). Established in 1847 by the Rogers brothers, it became a founding part of the International Silver Co. conglomerate in 1898. Known for durable, high-quality American silverplate designed for the middle class during the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Exquisite pattern, introduced in 1940. It is a floral-based design that remained popular throughout the 1940s and early 1950s.
Type
Flatware - Grille Fork (Individual Dining Fork)
Maker
Rogers & Bro., a brand of the International Silver Company (IS). Established in 1847 by the Rogers brothers, it became a founding part of the International Silver Co. conglomerate in 1898. Known for durable, high-quality American silverplate designed for the middle class during the mid-20th century.
Material
Silverplate over a base metal (usually nickel silver). The handle is stamped 'REINFORCED PLATE,' indicating extra silver thickness applied to high-wear areas (like the back of the bowl/tines) to prevent 'bleeding' of the base metal.
Dimensions
Approximately 7 to 7.5 inches in length. Being a 'Grille' (or Viande) style fork, it has noticeably longer handles and shorter tines compared to a standard dinner fork. Estimated weight is 45-55 grams.
Description
This is a classic example of American Mid-Century silverplated flatware in the 'Exquisite' pattern. The piece is a Grille Fork, which is characterized by its distinctive proportions of short tines and long handle—a design choice meant to look elegant on the table and provide a modern feel. The pattern features a delicate spray of flowers at the handle tip, providing a touch of femininity to an otherwise streamlined, functional silhouette.
Key Features
Proportional 'Grille' style (short tines); 'Exquisite' pattern floral motif; 'Reinforced Plate' marking; clear International Silver (IS) branding.
Material & Composition
Silverplate over a base metal (usually nickel silver). The handle is stamped 'REINFORCED PLATE,' indicating extra silver thickness applied to high-wear areas (like the back of the bowl/tines) to prevent 'bleeding' of the base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish with chased floral and leaf decoration at the terminal (tip of the handle). The style is Late Art Deco with floral influences typical of the early 1940s transitional aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'ROGERS & BRO. REINFORCED PLATE' followed by the 'IS' (International Silver) logo inside a circle or square. The absence of the word 'Sterling' and the presence of 'Plate' confirms this is not solid silver.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-striking. The tines are cut and polished, and the silver layer is applied via electroplating. The 'Reinforced' designation refers to the 'sectional' plating technique where extra silver is added to points of contact.
Functional Features
Grille fork design featuring four short, pointed tines and an elongated handle. This specific form was popularized in the 1930s and 40s to accommodate smaller plates or to follow the 'Viande' style trend started by Eliel Saarinen.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid base metal handle with a flared terminal. The grip is smooth with a slightly beveled edge, leading to a decorative floral cluster at the base. Integral one-piece construction.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The die-striking is crisp, the tines are well-tapered, and the 'Reinforced Plate' stamp indicates a higher standard of durability than entry-level plated wares.
Authentication Indicators
The markings are consistent with authentic International Silver production. The 'IS' logo and brand name font match historical catalogs for the 1940 pattern release accurately.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, USA. Meriden was known as 'Silver City' due to the massive concentration of International Silver Co. factories.
Era & Period
Modern/Mid-Century Transitional (Early 1940s). The design reflects the shift from the geometric Art Deco period into the softer, more floral 'American Home' styles of the WWII era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1950, based on the pattern introduction date (1940) and the specific 'IS' logo format.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of American silverplating, when middle-class households sought the prestige of silver service at an affordable price point during the post-Depression recovery and WWII years.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The tines appear straight and sharp. There is visible surface tarnish and light scratching consistent with use. No obvious 'base metal bleed' (loss of plating) is visible on the front, though high-wear points on the back should be checked. Structure is sound.
Value Estimate
Individual replacement value: $5 - $12 USD. As a common silverplated pattern, its value is utilitarian and sentimental rather than based on precious metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive sponges which can strip the thin silver layer. Since it is a 'Grille' fork, it should be stored in a flatware chest with anti-tarnish cloth to prevent the oxidation visible in the photo.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community Plate 'Milady' (1940) or 'Coronation' (1936). These competitors also featured reinforced plating and similar floral-transitional designs.
Interesting Facts
The 'Grille' or 'Viande' style fork was actually a result of a design collaboration between a silversmith and an architect (Eliel Saarinen) to make flatware look more 'architectural' and modern.