1881 Rogers Antique US Silver-Plated Flatware: An Affordable Flatware
The 1881 Rogers silver-plated flatware comes in a variety of distinctive patterns. You might wish to add 1881 Rogers Oneida silverware to your collection as an affordable alternative to sterling silver flatware. You can find pre-owned sets or individual pieces for sale on eBay.
Don't get your Rogers confusedOver 20 different silverplate manufacturers used the family name Rogers in their brand. Several of these brands were eventually purchased Oneida, most notably 1881 Rogers, S.L. & G.H. Rogers, and Wm. A. Rogers. Oneida released many designs under all these brands. Of course, these manufacturers also produced silverplate before their acquisition by Oneida.
The confusion over the many different Rogers extends to eBay. You need to make sure you know what pattern you are collecting. eBay allows you to filter 1881 Rogers Oneida silverware by the pattern "Century." However, Century was not an 1881 Rogers pattern. It is instead a Rogers & Brittin and Holmes & Edwards pattern with no affiliation with Oneida.
What is the 1881 Rogers Silverware Value?The value of used 1881 Rogers silverware depends strongly on the condition of the item. Unlike coins, there is not a standard grading system. You should look for bent or damaged cutlery, worn silverplate, and monograms. Monograms decrease the collectibility of 1881 Rogers Oneida silverware. Of course, if you find a set with your monograph, you may wish to acquire it for your use.
Affordable 1881 Rogers Oneida Ltd. pieces might be tarnished. However, tarnish can provide a protective layer that can slow down further oxidation. Once you have polished a piece, you should store it in a tarnish preventing bag to prevent further damage.
Since Oneida also made stainless steel flatware, it is worth checking to make sure the pieces you are buying are silverplate. Most 1881 Rogers patterns will have a backstamp of "1881 Rogers A1." This mark indicates the pieces are silverplate. The A1 designation means that plating a gross of teaspoons took 2 ounces of silver. Even though this designation is in terms of teaspoons, this rating applies to all flatware, not just the 1881 Rogers Oneida Ltd. spoon.
Was Oneida 1881 Rogers silverware made in 1881?No. This is a common point of confusion since Oneida was producing flatware in 1881. However, 1881 Rogers is a brand that Oneida acquired in 1929. Oneida used the brand for its line of affordable silverware.
Understanding the Oneida brandsOneida is a major producer of flatware. It has used a variety of brands over the last century. You might find this confusing at first since many patterns exist under a few different brands.
Oneida has variously used the brands Oneida Heirloom, Oneida, Oneida Community, and Oneida Ltd throughout its history.
Oneida also acquired other flatware makers. Patterns from these companies were often released both under the original brand and an Oneida brand. Many of the 1881 Rogers/ Oneida Ltd. patterns were released across several brands.
Some notable 1881 Rogers silverware patterns that were released under multiple brands are listed here:
- St. Regis - Puritan Plate, Wm. A. Rogers, Oneida Community
- Banbury - Oneida, Wm. A. Rogers
- Chateau - Oneida Heirloom, Wm. A. Rogers
- Lady Drake - Oneida Community, Wm. A. Rogers
- English Garden - Oneida Ltd., S.L. & G.H. Rogers