1847 Rogers Bros. Remembrance Pattern Silver Plate Cold Meat Fork
Flatware - Serving Piece (Cold Meat Fork) · 1847 Rogers Bros., a brand name used by the International Silver Company. Founded by the Rogers brothers, this brand became the gold standard for high-quality American silver plating.
Pattern: Remembrance (introduced in 1948 by International Silver Co. under the 1847 Rogers Bros. mark). This pattern was part of the post-WWII design boom and is currently discontinued.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (Cold Meat Fork)
Maker
1847 Rogers Bros., a brand name used by the International Silver Company. Founded by the Rogers brothers, this brand became the gold standard for high-quality American silver plating.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The item is made of a base metal (alloys like copper, nickel, and zinc) and then coated with a layer of fine silver via electroplating.
Dimensions
Standard cold meat fork length is approximately 8.5 to 9 inches. Estimated weight is 60-80 grams. It is larger and heavier than a standard dinner fork.
Description
An elegant example of American post-war flatware, this 1847 Rogers Bros. cold meat fork features the popular 'Remembrance' pattern. It is characterized by its broad silhouette and romantic floral accents, designed to bring a touch of formal luxury to the suburban American dining table.
Key Features
Extra-wide tines, '1847 ROGERS BROS' trademark, stippled handle texture, and the distinctive 'IS' International Silver mark.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The item is made of a base metal (alloys like copper, nickel, and zinc) and then coated with a layer of fine silver via electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
Satin and mirror polish with a Mid-Century Modern floral and stippled texture. Features a delicate rose/floral bunch at the top of the handle (not fully visible) and a stippled (pebbled) texture within the recessed handle channel.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '1847 ROGERS BROS. IS'. The 'IS' stands for International Silver Company. The absence of the word 'Sterling' confirmed this is silver plate.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped/die-struck from sheet metal. The tines are flared and curved, typical of a cold meat serving piece for stability when lifting sliced meats.
Functional Features
Four extra-wide, flared tines designed specifically for spearing and serving cold cuts, cheeses, or sliced roast meats from long platters.
Handle & Grip Details
Flat, tapered handle with a floral motif. Solid construction without separate handle/blade joints, ensuring durability during cleaning and use.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing. The die-striking is deep and precise, showing the high standards of the International Silver Company's mid-century production lines.
Authentication Indicators
The backstamp is crisp and consistent with mid-century mass production. The weight and flared shape of the tines are correct for the Remembrance cold meat fork variant.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Meriden, Connecticut. Manufactured by International Silver Company, which was once the largest silver manufacturer in the world.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Post-War 1940s). The Remembrance pattern reflects the transition from elaborate Victorian styles to the simplified, romantic elegance of late 1940s American design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1948-1955. Based on the pattern introduction date and the specific style of the IS backstamp used during that period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Golden Age' of American formal dining culture when specialized serving pieces for every type of food (cold meat, pickles, berries) were a standard part of a middle-class bride's trousseau.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good condition. Shows significant surface oxidation (tarnish) and light 'plate wear' scratches. No visible 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver), but requires professional polishing.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. Silver-plated serving pieces have relatively low resale value unless part of a complete set, but are highly prized for their functional vintage appeal.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cloth to remove the heavy tarnish. Do not use abrasive pads or 'silver dips' for extended periods as they can strip the thin silver layer.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community 'Morning Star' or Gorham 'Chantilly' (Sterling version). Comparable to 'First Love' or 'Adoration' patterns by Rogers Bros.
Interesting Facts
The '1847' in the name does not refer to the year the fork was made, but the year the Rogers brothers perfected the electroplating process. The 'Remembrance' pattern was one of the most commercially successful patterns of the era.