1881 Rogers Silverplate Flatware Piece
Flatware - Serving Piece or Utensil · 1881 Rogers, manufactured by the International Silver Company, highly recognized for producing quality silverplated tableware for the American household.
Pattern: Standard 1881 Rogers branded line, introduced around the late 19th century, featuring traditional decorative motifs.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece or Utensil
Maker
1881 Rogers, manufactured by the International Silver Company, highly recognized for producing quality silverplated tableware for the American household.
Material
Silver Plated (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), featuring a nickel-silver or brass base metal coated with a layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Standard flatware dimensions typical of late 19th to early 20th-century dining utensils; lightweight due to silverplate composition.
Description
A classic piece of antique silverplated flatware bearing the famous 1881 Rogers stamp, reflecting the democratization of elegant dining in American households during the turn of the 20th century.
Key Features
Clear and well-struck "1881 ROGERS" trademark stamp with associated maker symbols on the reverse handle shaft.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), featuring a nickel-silver or brass base metal coated with a layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silverplate finish with classical linear or embossed borders typical of late Victorian and Edwardian domestic flatware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Impressed maker's mark reading "1881 ROGERS" flanked by a star/circle logo and additional maker ciphers denoting the production standard and brand.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured via industrial die-striking and electroplating methods standard to late Victorian mass-production silversmithing.
Functional Features
Designed for everyday domestic dining or formal table service depending on the specific utensil form.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid base metal core covered in electroplated silver, featuring a shaped handle designed for comfortable gripping during dining.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial-grade industrial flatware manufacturing showing clean die-struck lines and uniform electroplated finish.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic period trademark configuration matching historical records for late 19th-century 1881 Rogers silverplate production.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States, manufactured by major American silver corporations utilizing advanced industrial plating techniques.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Edwardian Era (c. 1880-1910)
Age Estimate
Circa 1881 to early 20th century, based on the specific trademark style incorporating the foundational year "1881".
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Victorian era's desire to bring affordable elegance and styled table settings to the burgeoning American middle class.
Condition Notes
Moderate surface wear and tarnish consistent with age and use, with typical minor scratches on the metallic surface.
Value Estimate
Modest collector and secondary market value, typically ranging from $5 to $25 depending on the specific form and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap and warm water, dry immediately with a soft cloth, and polish periodically with a gentle silver cream to preserve the plated surface.
Similar Pieces
Other silverplated flatware lines by contemporaries such as Wm. Rogers & Son, Oneida, and Reed & Barton.
Interesting Facts
The date "1881" in the brand name refers to the founding year of the Rogers & Hamilton company, which later became part of the massive International Silver Company conglomerate.