The history of Rogers antique silverware is both distinguished and complex. Several members of the Rogers family were involved in partnerships that highlighted the Rogers name for the manufacture of silverware. Some partnerships included non-family members as well. Furthermore, different silver trademarks were used during various periods of time. As a consequence, identifying these items of silverware can require careful research and attention to detail.
Master Silversmith
William Hazen Rogers was a master silversmith who began his five-year apprenticeship in 1820 in Hartford, Connecticut. His trademark, "Wm. Rogers," first appeared on the silverware he crafted, but it has since been used by other silverware manufacturers. Rogers himself used this trademark with the embellishments of a star and an eagle as distinguishing features. Silver spoons were among his earliest products, and patterns such as Countess from 1880, Athens from 1884 and Berwick/Diana from 1904 remain perennial favorites.
The Rogers Brothers
William H. Rogers partnered with a number of family members, including his brothers, Asa and Simeon. They were known as "Rogers Bros." and they worked together between 1847 and 1853. Reportedly, William H. Rogers was the first maker of silver plated products in the United States, and he duly applied for a patent. Other accounts suggest that it was his brother Asa who perfected the electroplating process. Silver patterns from the 1847 period were recreated in patterns including American Beauty Rose from 1909 and Adoration from 1930.
Trademarks
The "William Rogers & Son" trademark, which incorporates a star, was used by the senior Rogers and his son, William Henry Rogers (William Jr.), between 1857 and 1861 and again between 1869 and 1873. The father and son, together with several other partners, also worked under the trademark umbrella of "William Rogers Manufacturing Co." between 1865 and 1869.
Trademark Rights
After the death of William H. Rogers in 1873, rights to his trademark were granted to Simpson, Hall, Miller and Company, silversmiths. The company continued to use the trademark until 1893. Subsequently, the trademark was also applied by the International Silver Company founded by the Meriden Britannia Co. and partners until 1939. The letters "IS" stamped on this silverware stand for "International Silver" and are an indication of approximate manufacturing dates.
Determining Factors
From time to time, various silverware products manufactured under the Rogers trade name become available for sale online or in antiques shops, including flatware, tea and coffee sets, bowls, and trays. It is possible to determine the age and history of most items by examining their trademarks, which are normally found on the underside of the items. Most reputable sellers are able to provide some background information about the origin and approximate market value of such antique silverware.
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