For antique silver enthusiasts and history buffs alike, few names evoke a sense of prestige and American ingenuity quite like 1847 Rogers Bros. This iconic silver-plate company has captured the hearts of collectors for over a century with their ornate patterns, quality craftsmanship, and fascinating backstory.
If you‘ve been lucky enough to inherit some vintage Rogers Bros pieces or stumble upon a box lot at an estate sale, you might be wondering – what is my 1847 Rogers Bros silverware actually worth? As a longtime collector and silver specialist, I‘m here to share my expertise and help you uncover the potential value hidden in your flatware chest.
The Legacy of Rogers Brothers
To understand the collectibility of 1847 Rogers Bros silver, it‘s essential to first dive into the rich history of the company. The story begins in 1847, when brothers Asa, Simeon, and William Rogers patented an innovative electroplating process in Hartford, Connecticut.
By binding a thin layer of pure silver to a base metal core, they could create durable yet affordable flatware that rivaled the look of pricier sterling pieces. This groundbreaking technique would come to be the signature of Rogers Bros and revolutionize the American silver industry.
In 1862, the brothers officially formed the Rogers Brothers Manufacturing Company, which specialized in producing silver-plated flatware, hollowware, and cutlery under the now infamous "1847 Rogers Bros" hallmark. The "1847" referred to the patent date rather than the manufacturing year – a key distinction for identifying antique pieces.
Over the following decades, Rogers Bros built a reputation for exceptional artistry, often hiring renowned designers to create their lavish Victorian patterns like Assyrian Head, Persian, and Old English Tipt. Trendsetting motifs like these featured intricate details such as ornate flora, Neoclassical figures, and Gothic accents that became coveted by well-to-do hostesses.
In 1898, Rogers Bros joined forces with several other major silver-plate brands like Meriden Britannia to form the International Silver Company conglomerate in Meriden, Connecticut. This merger allowed for expanded production and distribution of 1847 Rogers Bros patterns, which graced dining tables from lavish Newport mansions to the White House itself.
Some of the most popular Rogers Bros flatware lines of the early-to-mid 20th century included:
| Pattern Name | Year Introduced |
|---|---|
| Arbutus | 1908 |
| Adoration | 1930 |
| First Love | 1937 |
| Eternally Yours | 1941 |
| Daffodil | 1950 |
| Heritage | 1953 |
While styles evolved over time to reflect changing tastes, the legacy of 1847 Rogers Bros endured until the brand was discontinued in 1981. Today, vintage pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries are highly sought-after by collectors for their history, beauty, and connection to an American success story.
Identifying Your 1847 Rogers Bros Silver
So how can you tell if that tarnished teaspoon is a true antique or just a common mid-century castoff? The first step is carefully examining your piece for identifying hallmarks, monograms, and other distinguishing features.
Rogers Bros used several different marks over the company‘s lengthy history:
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Pre-1900s: Look for "Rogers Bros A1" or star and eagle symbols around the name. The A1 indicated Rogers‘ finest grade of silver plate.
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1908 – 1930s: An eagle, star, and R symbol was common during this era.
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1930s – 1950s: The words "Reinforced Plate" were often added to backstamps.
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1950s – 1970s: The IS logo for International Silver appeared alongside the 1847 Rogers Bros name.
In addition to the 1847 marking, most Rogers Bros patterns will also include the line name like Charter Oak or First Love. If you‘re unsure of the pattern, a quick search of online silver archives or replacement sites can help you match the design using example photos.
Monograms and personalized engravings are also useful clues for dating and tracing the provenance of antique pieces. Elaborate Victorian-era script initials were popular on 19th-century silver, while mid-century monograms tended to be simpler block lettering.
It‘s worth noting that the vast majority of 1847 Rogers Bros pieces are silver-plated, not solid sterling. There are a few rare exceptions of small novelty items made in coin silver or sterling by special order, but these are few and far between. If you do come across a larger piece marked sterling, it‘s likely from the company‘s brief foray into high-end silver production in the 1940s-50s.
Valuing Your Collection: Key Factors
Now that you‘ve nailed down some key identifiers, you‘re likely wondering about the potential dollar value of your 1847 Rogers Bros pieces. As with most antiques and collectibles, there are several important factors that impact the worth of vintage silverware:
Rarity of Pattern
Some 1847 Rogers Bros flatware patterns are significantly harder to find than others, especially from the early years of production. Obsolete lines from the Victorian era like Assyrian Head, Olive, and Cherub are among the most sought-after by collectors due to their ornate beauty and limited quantities.
In contrast, more streamlined Art Deco motifs from the 1910s-40s like Vintage, Marquise, and Adoration tend to be easier to find on the secondary market. Certain later patterns like First Love and Eternally Yours have a strong collecting following but generally don‘t command the same high prices as rarer 19th-century designs.
Condition
As you might expect, condition is king when it comes to antique silver value. Collectors covet pieces that show minimal wear to the plating, no dents, deep scratches, or pitting, and a nice patina free of heavy tarnish.
It‘s not uncommon for antique silver-plate to show some signs of age like light utensil marks or tarnishing, but significant damage or wear-through to the base metal will negatively impact value. Pieces that have been harshly polished over time may also have thinner plating as a result.
Completeness of Set
Larger, more complete sets of 1847 Rogers Bros flatware will always bring higher prices than mismatched individual pieces. Collectors are often looking to round out partial sets or replace lost serving items, so a comprehensive boxed set is the holy grail.
Basic 4-piece place settings with dinner fork, salad fork, knife, and soup spoon are the most common, while serving utensils like ladles, pie servers, demitasse spoons, and carving sets add to the total value. Fitted wood chests and original packaging can also boost the worth.
Provenance
In some cases, the history behind a set of vintage silver can be as valuable as the pieces themselves. Flatware originally owned by prominent families, political figures, or celebrities will often command a premium, especially with documentation like monograms, receipts, or photographs.
Similarly, silver with a fascinating regional or event-specific connection, like pieces from grand old hotels or steamships, can be highly desirable to certain collectors.
What‘s It Worth? Sample Prices
With these value factors in mind, let‘s take a look at some real-world pricing data for 1847 Rogers Bros silverware. These estimates are based on average selling prices from reputable dealers, auction houses, and online marketplaces in recent years.
Please note that values can vary widely depending on the specific pattern, condition, and completeness. These figures are meant as a general guide, not a definitive appraisal.
Individual Pieces
For single forks, spoons, and knives in undamaged but used condition, values typically range from $5-50 each. Common patterns like First Love and Daffodil tend toward the lower end, while rarer Victorian motifs can command higher prices, especially for serving items.
Some example selling prices for individual pieces include:
- First Love teaspoon: $5-10
- Eternally Yours salad fork: $10-20
- Charter Oak sugar spoon: $25-45
- Marquise pie server: $40-60
Sets and Collections
When it comes to complete sets in excellent condition, values can range from a few hundred dollars for a basic 20-piece service to several thousand for an extensive collection with rare serving pieces.
For example, a 62-piece set of Daffodil flatware in fitted box recently sold for $400, while an 87-piece set of the desirable 1908 Arbutus pattern brought $2,500 at auction. Exceptionally rare 100+ piece sets of early patterns like Assyrian Head have been known to fetch upwards of $10,000.
It‘s important to remember that silver-plate, even of Rogers Bros quality, will not have the same value as a comparable set in sterling. An average 4-piece place setting in 1847 Rogers Bros is worth around $20-30, while the same in sterling could easily bring $200+.
Caring for Your Silver Treasures
Whether you plan to keep your 1847 Rogers Bros pieces for personal use or resell them to collectors, proper storage and maintenance are key to preserving value. Here are some tips from the pros:
Storage: Keep flatware in a dry, dark place away from humidity and rapid temperature changes. Tarnish-resistant flannel or Pacific cloth bags and rolls are ideal for preventing scratches and oxidation. Avoid plastic, rubber bands, and direct sunlight.
Use: One of the joys of collecting vintage silver is that it was made to be used and enjoyed! Don‘t be afraid to bring out your Rogers Bros pieces for special occasions. Regular use and gentle handwashing can actually help prevent tarnish buildup over time.
Cleaning: If your silver does develop a dull gray or brown tarnish, never fear – it‘s a natural process and can be easily remedied with a gentle cleaner and soft cloth. I recommend using a non-abrasive silver foam or moistened paste, as harsh dips and polishes can actually strip away the valuable plating over time. Always use a light touch and dry thoroughly to prevent spotting.
Display: Silver was made to shine, so why not show off your favorite pieces in a glass cabinet or on an elegant coffee table tray? Just be sure to keep them away from direct heat sources, strong odors, and excessive humidity. Rotate your displays periodically so the same areas are not always exposed to light and air.
The Sentimental Value
Beyond the monetary value, collecting 1847 Rogers Bros silver is a meaningful way to connect with generations past and preserve a slice of American history. Whether your pieces once graced your great-grandmother‘s holiday table or were passed down from a favorite aunt, the stories and emotions behind them are priceless.
Every time you host a special dinner with antique flatware or admire a particularly stunning piece, you‘re participating in a legacy of craftsmanship and artistry that has endured for over 170 years. That‘s the true silver lining of collecting 1847 Rogers Bros.
In the words of silver expert and author Peter K. Hornsby, "Antique silverware is more than just a financial investment. It‘s a tangible link to our heritage and a beautiful way to enrich our daily lives with a touch of timeless elegance."
So go ahead and embrace your inner treasure hunter – you never know what precious pieces of the past you might uncover. With a discerning eye, proper care, and an appreciation for history, your 1847 Rogers Bros collection can be a source of pride and joy for years to come.
Happy hunting, fellow silver enthusiasts!
