1847 Rogers Bros. Silver Plated Serving Spoon
Flatware (Serving Spoon) · 1847 Rogers Bros. (a brand produced by the International Silver Company, highly prominent in American silver-plated flatware history)
Pattern: Victorian or classical revival decorative pattern with banded accents, produced broadly throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries
Type
Flatware (Serving Spoon)
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros. (a brand produced by the International Silver Company, highly prominent in American silver-plated flatware history)
Material
Silver-plated base metal (typically nickel silver or white metal alloy core electroplated with a layer of pure silver)
Dimensions
Standard serving spoon dimensions, approximately 8 to 8.5 inches (20-21.5 cm) in length, weight approximately 40-60 grams
Description
An antique silver-plated serving spoon featuring an elegant tapered handle adorned with decorative banded collars and subtle embossing. The bowl shows significant dark oxidation and tarnish, indicating long-term storage or lack of polishing over many decades. The piece bears the classic heritage styling associated with the prolific 1847 Rogers Bros. manufacturing line.
Key Features
Prominent maker identity associated with the 1847 Rogers Bros. brand, classic banded transition on the handle, deep oval serving bowl, and heavy vintage tarnish patina
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (typically nickel silver or white metal alloy core electroplated with a layer of pure silver)
Finish & Decoration
High-polish silver finish with heavy natural sulfide tarnish and decorative raised bands and foliate embossing along the handle stem
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically stamped with the maker's mark '1847 ROGERS BROS.' often accompanied by an anchor or star symbol and sometimes 'A1' indicating standard silver-plate thickness
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck and machine-stamped handle and bowl, typical of mass-produced late 19th and 20th-century American electroplated flatware
Functional Features
Large oval bowl designed for serving dishes, vegetables, or sauces at the dining table
Handle & Grip Details
Solid handle integrated into the stem with decorative beaded or banded rings and a slightly flared terminal end
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial mass production utilizing die-stamping and electroplating techniques, offering durable construction and reliable domestic utility for its era
Authentication Indicators
The form, weight, scale, and overall manufacturing style align directly with standard American electroplated nickel silver flatware of the late Victorian era
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the United States, manufactured in Meriden, Connecticut by Rogers Brothers or later facilities under International Silver
Era & Period
Victorian Era / Late 19th to early 20th century aesthetic
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1920, based on the style, company history, and typical branding conventions of the period
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of dining luxury in America, where middle-class households could afford elegant silver-plated tableware that mimicked solid sterling silver sets
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. The spoon is structurally sound with no deep cracks, bends, or structural failures, but it exhibits heavy, dark natural tarnish (sulfide buildup), surface scuffs, and minor scratches consistent with age and use. Silver plating remains largely intact under the tarnish.
Value Estimate
Modest collector or replacement value, typically ranging from $10 to $30 USD depending on exact pattern rarity and overall condition after cleaning
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream or specialized silver cloth to remove tarnish safely without stripping the thin electroplated silver layer. Store in anti-tarnish cloth or bags
Similar Pieces
Other Victorian and Edwardian silver-plated serving pieces from manufacturers like Oneida, Community Plate, or Reed & Barton
Interesting Facts
The '1847' in 1847 Rogers Bros. does not stand for the year the company was founded or the piece was made, but rather marks the year William Rogers began experimenting with silver plating techniques
Notes
1847 Rodger’s Bros