Wm. Rogers Silver-Plated Pierced Round Serving Tray/Bread Plate
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Plate) · Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co., a brand of International Silver Company. The 'Hamilton, ONT' stamp indicates production by International Silver Co. of Canada Ltd., a prominent manufacturer of mid-market silver-plated goods.
Pattern: Undetermined pierced decorative line; features teardrop and arc-shaped reticulation with a scalloped, gadrooned rim.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Plate)
Maker
Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co., a brand of International Silver Company. The 'Hamilton, ONT' stamp indicates production by International Silver Co. of Canada Ltd., a prominent manufacturer of mid-market silver-plated goods.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy coated with a thin layer of silver via electroplating.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 10-12 inches. Weight is approximately 400-600 grams depending on the thickness of the nickel silver base.
Description
A classic example of mid-century Canadian silver-plated hollowware, this round tray by Wm. Rogers features a decorative pierced border and a traditional scalloped edge. While intended for formal dining at a budget-friendly price point, it showcases the industrial capability of the Hamilton-based International Silver Co. plant.
Key Features
Distinctive Crown and Star Wm. Rogers trademark; 'Hamilton, ONT' geographic identifier; die-cut teardrop reticulation; model number 69-60.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy coated with a thin layer of silver via electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish featuring die-cut pierced (reticulated) floral/abstract patterns and a scalloped rim with applied or stamped gadrooning.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with 'Crown-WM ROGERS-Star', 'HAMILTON, ONT', and the model numbers '69-60' over '.42'. These are manufacturer production marks, not official government assay hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured; the body is stamped from a sheet, the piercings are die-cut, and the rim decoration is likely applied or rolled.
Functional Features
Flat central well for serving bread, pastries, or hors d'oeuvres; pierced gallery to lighten visual weight and provide decorative interest.
Handle & Grip Details
None; simple rim-grip design typical of circular platter forms.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial quality. The stamping is clear but the finishing exhibits 'orange peel' texture and wear typical of commercial-grade electroplating rather than fine hand-wrought silver.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp is consistent with genuine Wm. Rogers/International Silver Co. of Canada production from the mid-20th century. The wear pattern (scratches) is typical of silver plate rather than solid sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; manufactured at the International Silver Co. factory which was a major industrial employer in the region.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (likely 1940s-1960s). The typeface and 'Hamilton, ONT' stamping are consistent with International Silver’s Canadian operations during this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The style exhibits a transition between traditional gadrooning and mid-century industrial manufacturing techniques.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII 'middle class' aspiration for formal dining sets. Such pieces were common wedding gifts in Canada during the 1950s and 60s.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy surface scratching indicates frequent use or improper cleaning. There is significant 'plate loss' or 'bleeding' visible where the yellowish base metal starts to show through the silver; some tarnishing and spot corrosion present.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. Silver-plated items from this era have little scrap value and are primarily valued for their decorative or functional utility in secondary markets.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or 'soak' methods as the silver layer is very thin and further polishing will reveal more of the base metal (bleeding).
Similar Pieces
Benedict Proctor (Canada) plated trays, Birks Regency plate, and Gorham 'Heritage' plated line. Rogers pieces are generally valued lower than Birks Sterling but comparable to other EPNS makers.
Interesting Facts
The 'Wm. Rogers' name is one of the most confusing in silver history, as it was used by numerous relatives and eventually acquired by the International Silver conglomerate to capitalize on the original Rogers family reputation.