Wm. A. Rogers Old English Reproduction Silver Plated Tray or Platter
Hollowware (Tray/Platter) · Wm. A. Rogers, a prominent American silverplate manufacturer founded in the late 19th century. Known for producing affordable, high-quality silver-plated tableware, the brand was later acquired by Oneida Limited in 1929.
Pattern: Old English Reproduction, a classic line featuring traditional Georgian-inspired pierced borders and motifs, introduced in the early 20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Tray/Platter)
Maker
Wm. A. Rogers, a prominent American silverplate manufacturer founded in the late 19th century. Known for producing affordable, high-quality silver-plated tableware, the brand was later acquired by Oneida Limited in 1929.
Material
Silver Plated (EPNS or silver-plated base metal such as nickel silver or brass), with no actual solid silver content.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of approximately 12 to 14 inches (standard serving tray size), weight consistent with silver-plated hollowware.
Description
An elegant silver-plated serving tray by Wm. A. Rogers in the Old English Reproduction pattern. The piece features a smooth, reflective central surface surrounded by a finely pierced diamond-lattice border that reflects traditional 18th-century English silversmithing styles. The underside clearly displays the maker's stamp along with production numbers.
Key Features
Distinctive pierced diamond fretwork border, crisp maker's stamp identifying the Wm. A. Rogers brand, and classic Georgian revival styling.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (EPNS or silver-plated base metal such as nickel silver or brass), with no actual solid silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish featuring a distinctive pierced diamond-pattern gallery border and a smooth central well.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with the maker's mark 'Wm. A. Rogers' inside a rectangle, accompanied by the pattern name 'Old English Reproduction', the number '46', and the shape or catalog number '6156'.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured and stamped silverplate, typical of early to mid-20th-century mass production techniques.
Functional Features
Designed as a serving tray or decorative platter, featuring a raised pierced rim to secure items while serving.
Handle & Grip Details
Rim-handled or edge-gripped platter style with no separate applied handles, relying on the raised pierced border for grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Factory-produced using stamping and mechanical piercing methods, achieving clean geometric cutouts and a uniform decorative finish typical of mid-century commercial silverplate.
Authentication Indicators
The authentic manufacturer's stamp 'Wm. A. Rogers' alongside 'Old English Reproduction' and model number '6156' serves as a standard identifier for pieces produced by this company.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in the United States by Wm. A. Rogers, following traditional American silverplating industry standards of the period.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century / Vintage Era (c. 1930s-1950s), incorporating traditional Georgian revival aesthetics.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930s to 1950s, based on the typography of the maker's mark and Oneida-era production styles.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-century American desire for elegant, accessible table settings that mimicked expensive sterling silver heirlooms of the British aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Fair to good vintage condition. Shows standard surface scratches, swirling polish marks, minor tarnish spots, and potential slight loss of silver plating along high-friction areas consistent with age and use.
Value Estimate
Estimated modest market value between $20 and $60 USD, depending on overall surface condition and local demand for vintage silverplate.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream or specialized silver polish using a soft cloth. Avoid harsh abrasives to prevent wearing through the thin silver-plated surface. Store in a dry, tarnish-resistant bag.
Similar Pieces
Similar silver-plated trays produced by International Silver, Wallace, or Oneida featuring pierced rims and reproduction Georgian motifs.
Interesting Facts
Wm. A. Rogers was not just one man but a trademark used by William A. Rogers, who started his business in New York before it became a powerhouse brand under Oneida Ltd.