International Silver Co. 'Gardenia' Pattern Silverplate Teaspoon
Flatware (Teaspoon) · International Silver Company (specifically the Wm. Rogers & Son brand). Founded in 1898 in Meriden, CT, International Silver was a conglomerate of many American silversmiths, known for high-volume production for the middle-class market.
Pattern: 'Gardenia' pattern, introduced in 1941 by the Wm. Rogers & Son division. It is a discontinued mid-century floral pattern once widely used in American households.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
International Silver Company (specifically the Wm. Rogers & Son brand). Founded in 1898 in Meriden, CT, International Silver was a conglomerate of many American silversmiths, known for high-volume production for the middle-class market.
Material
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This is a base metal of nickel, copper, and zinc coated with a thin layer of pure silver through electrolysis. It contains no solid sterling silver content.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length approximately 6 to 6.25 inches. Weight is roughly 30-35 grams. It is lighter and less dense than a solid sterling silver teaspoon.
Description
An iconic example of American mid-century utility, the Gardenia teaspoon by International Silver features a delicate floral arrangements nestled against a dimpled texture. Its clean lines and balanced proportions made it a staple in the 1940s American home, representing the accessible luxury of silver-plated dining sets.
Key Features
Distinctive 'Gardenia' floral cluster at the base and tip of the handle; textured 'stippled' background on the handle terminal; elongated stem with vertical line borders; Wm. Rogers & Son brand identification.
Material & Composition
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). This is a base metal of nickel, copper, and zinc coated with a thin layer of pure silver through electrolysis. It contains no solid sterling silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish bowl with a textured handle. Features a floral motif (gardenias) at the terminal and base of the handle, with a 'stippled' or 'beaded' background texture on the bottom half of the handle and a sleek, lined border on the upper stem. The style is late Art Deco/early Mid-Century Floral.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped 'WM. ROGERS & SON' followed by 'IS' (International Silver) on the reverse of the handle. It may also include the word 'Gardenia'. The absence of the word 'Sterling' confirmed its status as silverplate.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via die-striking. The pattern is pressed into the metal using high-pressure steel dies. The bowl and handle are one continuous piece of metal with no hand-soldered joints.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowl for stirring tea or coffee; flared handle for ergonomic grip. Specifically designed for durability for daily domestic use rather than ornamental display.
Handle & Grip Details
Flat, flared handle with a rounded terminal. The decoration is embossed on the front face, while the back is typically smooth to accommodate stamps and potentially a monogram (though this example is plain).
Craftsmanship Details
Highly efficient industrial production. While the die-work is crisp, the piece lacks the hand-finishing, weight, and 'ping' resonance of high-end sterling silver.
Authentication Indicators
Pattern matches the 1941 archival records for Wm. Rogers & Son. The wear pattern (greyish base metal peeking through) is characteristic of vintage silverplate rather than sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut, USA. This was the hub of American silverplate production during the 20th century.
Era & Period
Early Mid-Century Modern / WWII Era (1940s). The design blends the streamlined nature of Art Deco with the romantic, domestic floral motifs popular during and after World War II.
Age Estimate
Circa 1941-1950. The pattern was most popular during its initial decade of release.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of formal dining in America. Such sets were often given as wedding gifts or collected through grocery store 'piece-a-week' promotions during the mid-20th century.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The bowl shows surface scuffing consistent with heavy kitchen use and scouring. There is 'plate loss' or 'heel wear' likely on the back where the bowl rests. Tarnish is minimal, suggesting recent cleaning.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $5.00 USD. Silverplated spoons of this era are extremely common and hold little metal value; they are primarily sought for pattern matching in existing sets.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid automatic dishwashers, as the detergents can strip the thin silver plating and expose the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Oneida 'Morning Star' or Gorham plated patterns. Often confused with solid sterling patterns because the design quality was high, but distinguished by the brand stamps.
Interesting Facts
The 'Wm. Rogers' name was so prestigious in 19th-century silver that many companies fought for the rights to use it; International Silver eventually secured it to market their quality plated lines.