Our "Ask Reni" section has been swamped with questions about "American Silver". So, to answer all the questions that were received we have decided to have Reni write a very informative article for you on the subject as follows:

American's manufacturing history in silver, pewter, Britannia and electroplated wares coincides with the rise of the Industrial revolution and methods of mass production. Centered in New England, places such as Meriden and Wallingford, Connecticut became as famous to a world of wholesalers and retailers as Birmingham, England.

In 1810, the single silver-smith could still be found in local advertisements. Commissions in hand wrought items were directed to the wealthy and elite. By 1910, hugh conglomerates made up of partnerships and previously independent companies existed to make silver and silver plate available to everyone.

The desire to adorn ones home and table with the look of solid silver (without the expense) was present in the 18th century. In 1742, and Englishman named Thomas Boulshover accidentally fused silver to copper while trying to mend a knife blade. Manufacturers in Sheffield took over the method of heating thin sheets of silver, front and back, to thicker center cores of copper. These fused "sheets" could be rolled out and formed into fancy hollow ware trays, urns, candelabrum, etc. Sterling was decoratively applied to the exposed copper edges. These "old Sheffield" pieces satisfied the emerging middle classes in England and America for nearly a hundred years, and are sought after by today's collectors.

Electroplating was invented by John Wright, a medical student, and also an Englishman. The first patent was issued to G.R. and H. Elkington in 1840. Oxide of silver was dissolved in a bath of cyanide of potassium and reformed onto the surface of copper or other base metals with the use of a galvanic current.

John O. Mead, a Britannia manufacturer from Philadelphia helped perfect the electroplating process in America. His association with pioneering Rogers brothers is not officially documented, but there is a connection.

The Rogers name spans the rest of the 19th century. William, the eldest brother, left the family farm and became a partner with Joseph Church (jeweler and silversmith in Hartford, Conn.) in 1825. By 1835, Asa Jr. and Simeon had both joined the firm. Asa Jr. started experimenting with electroplating in the early 1840's. In 1847, the first Rogers Brothers trademark was stamped on their silver plate spoons. The Rogers name became so important in the business that many affiliations would form companies to use the Rogers name. Some were related by family ties and some just lucky enough to have the same name. The F.B. Rogers Silver Co. was incorporated in 1886, in Taunton Massachusetts. This company worked well into the 20th century, and became a division of the National Silver Company in 1955.

In 1862, the Meriden Britannia Company purchased the Rogers Brothers Manufacturing Company, including their tools, dies and trademark. Many other small companies in the area realized the benefits of banding together to better supply the growing public demand. The International Silver Company was incorporated in 1898. Along with the 1847 Rogers Bros. trademark, the Meriden Britannia Company led the way. Soon, over forty firms would join, often retaining their own trademarks under the I.S. Co. umbrella. Some of these names include the American Silver Co., Barbour Silver Co., Forbes Silver Co., Holmes & Edwards Silver Co., Manhattan Silver Plate Co., Meriden Silver Plate Co., Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co., C. Rogers & Bros., Rogers & Hamilton Co., Rogers, Smith & Co., Watrous Mfg. Co., Webster Mfg. Co., Wilcox Silver Plate Co, Wilcox & Everster, and the William Rogers Mfg. Co.

The International Silver Co. reached its height in production by the World War II years. We are now the generations inheriting these lovely decorative artifacts.

Silver plate (in good condition) from the second half of the 19th century has the higher values. Victorian era Epergnes with cupids holding "sweet meat" dishes, fancy footed butler trays, coffee urns and tea sets in revival styles with sculptural finials and pairs of six-armed candelabrum may appraise out between $500 and $1,000, occasionally higher. Crossover values would attach to items commissioned by railroads, ships, famous hotels or people. Novelties, inkwells, figural napkin rings, dance card holders, etc. are collectible in their own categories. 20th century silver plate is common. A complete tea set from the 1940's or 50's can usually be purchased for under $200. A single pot, creamer, covered butter or vegetable dish will run well under $50 in the secondary market.

The question of resilvering is a "gray" area. Collectors of antique silver plate often prefer the darkened look of the base metal showing through. In our home, grandma's 1940's water tankard looks a lot better with its shiny new coat and holly branches at holiday time.

Thanks for all your questions and pictures.

Miss Reni

References and resources:

Rainwater, Dorothy T. and Redfield , Judy
Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers 4th ed....Schiffer 1998

Rainwater, Dorothy T. and Ivan
American Silver plate...Schiffer

Turner, Noel D.
American Silver Flatware 1837 - 1910...A.S. Barnes & Co. 1972

We want to give a special thanks to Reni for writing such an informative article for our Journal.