Wm. Rogers & Son AA 'Exquisite' Pattern Silverplate Seafood Fork
Flatware - Seafood/Cocktail Fork · Wm. Rogers & Son, a brand of the International Silver Company (ISC). The Rogers name is among the most famous in American silver history, representing high-quality mass-market plated goods following International Silver's consolidation of various Connecticut workshops in 1898.
Pattern: Exquisite pattern, introduced in 1940. This was a flagship Art Deco influenced floral pattern that remained popular mid-century and is currently discontinued but widely available on the secondary market.
Type
Flatware - Seafood/Cocktail Fork
Maker
Wm. Rogers & Son, a brand of the International Silver Company (ISC). The Rogers name is among the most famous in American silver history, representing high-quality mass-market plated goods following International Silver's consolidation of various Connecticut workshops in 1898.
Material
Silverplate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a non-ferrous alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc, which is then electroplated with a layer of pure silver. The 'AA' stamp indicates the quality of the plating (double thickness).
Dimensions
Length is approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm). It is a standard seafood/cocktail fork size with a narrow three-tine head designed for extracting meat from shellfish or serving hors d'oeuvres. Weight is approximately 20-25 grams.
Description
This seafood fork from the Wm. Rogers & Son 'Exquisite' line is a quintessentially mid-century American piece of dining history. The design features a lush, sculpted floral cluster at the base of the handle, framed by delicate beading that extends toward the three-tine head. Its elegant, slender profile makes it a versatile serving tool, bridging the gap between formal Victorian dining etiquette and the more streamlined entertaining styles of the 1940s and 50s.
Key Features
Three-tine design; floral bouquet motif at the terminal; 'Exquisite' pattern identification; 'AA' plating grade mark; 'Wm. Rogers & Son' branding.
Material & Composition
Silverplate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base is a non-ferrous alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc, which is then electroplated with a layer of pure silver. The 'AA' stamp indicates the quality of the plating (double thickness).
Finish & Decoration
Semi-matte to mirror polish with oxidized recesses to highlight the design. The pattern features a central floral bouquet (reminiscent of lilies or wild roses) above a smooth, teardrop-shaped terminal. It includes beaded borders along the handle neck, characteristic of the transition between Art Deco and Late Victorian revival styles.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'Wm. Rogers & Son AA' on the reverse. The 'AA' is a grade mark for silverplate thickness. There is no 'Sterling' or '.925' mark, confirming this as a quality plated item rather than solid silver.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck. The piece is formed from a single sheet of nickel silver, trimmed, and then electroplated. This was the standard industrial method for American mass production in the 1940s.
Functional Features
Three short, sharp tines designed to pierce small items like cocktail shrimp, oysters, or appetizers. The slender handle allows for delicate gripping.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle (not hollow). The shape is a classic flare terminal with a rounded end. The grip is ergonomic for its small size, and the weight is concentrated in the handle for balance.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The die-striking is deep and precise, creating a three-dimensional floral effect that mimics hand-chasing. The plating is durable enough to have survived decades without peeling.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Wm. Rogers & Son' stamp is consistent with genuine 20th-century International Silver Co. production. The weight and feel are typical of nickel silver base metal. The lack of standard silver hallmarks (like a lion passant or 'Sterling') confirms its status as plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; specifically Meriden, Connecticut, known as the 'Silver City' of the world during the early-to-mid 20th century, where International Silver Co. operated.
Era & Period
Transition/Mid-Century Modern (1940s). The 'Exquisite' pattern reflects the 1940s penchant for blending traditional floral motifs with the sleek, streamlined silhouettes of the Art Deco period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1950. Based on the 1940 introduction date of the Exquisite pattern and the specific hallmark style used during the ISC era.
Cultural Significance
Seafood forks represent the expansion of dining sets in the early 20th century to include specialized tools for every course. This specific pattern was marketed to the burgeoning American middle class as an affordable way to achieve the 'Exquisite' look of luxury sterling.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible light surface scratches (swirls) consistent with use. No significant 'plate loss' (wearing through to the base metal) is evident, though the tines show slight darkening common in older silverplate. The definition of the pattern remains crisp.
Value Estimate
$5 to $12 per fork. As silverplate is mass-produced, the value is higher in sets. A set of 8 typically retails for $40–$75 depending on the venue. Value is largely aesthetic rather than based on metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. Use a high-quality silver cream (like Wright's) for tarnish. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the protective finish. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth (Pacific Silvercloth) to minimize polishing frequency.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with the 'Gardenia' or 'Magnolia' patterns from other Rogers lines. Competitor alternatives include Oneida's 'Community Plate' or Holmes & Edwards pieces from the same era.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Rogers' was so prestigious that by the late 19th century, dozens of companies were using it to confuse buyers. This led to famous legal battles until International Silver Co. consolidated the reputable Rogers brands under one roof.
Notes
Rogers engraved on back. I have 8