Who was William Hazen Rogers? He lived from 1801 to 1873 and was a highly regarded American silversmith and watchmaker. He was extremely prolific, and his long career encompassed several different company names. He partnered with his brothers and other silversmiths during his lifetime. Together with his brothers and, later on, his son, he was responsible for the creation of hundreds of Wm Rogers silverware patterns for silver, silverplate flatware, and serving dishes. His company and trademarks were eventually taken over by larger companies, which can make identifying his work challenging. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a look at how to identify Wm Rogers silver plate and explore the history behind the man and his marks.
The History of William Rogers’ Career and Companies
William Hazen Rogers was born on May 13, 1801, on a farm in Hartford, Connecticut, to Sarah Reynolds and Asa Rogers. After leaving home, he embarked on a career that would leave an indelible mark on the American silver industry. He began by apprenticing with Joseph Church, a silversmith and watchmaker, from 1820 to 1825. They became partners in 1825, and their company, Church & Rogers, manufactured silver-plate flatware and hollowware.
From 1832 to 1838, he was partners with his brother, Asa Rogers, in the firm A. Rogers Jr. and Co. The partnership expanded to include their brother Simeon from 1847 to 1853 as Rogers Brothers silver (often searched as 1847 Rogers Bros). This firm holds a significant place in history, as Rogers Brothers was the first to apply electroplated silverware to the manufacture of silverware on a commercial basis. From 1857 to 1861, and again from 1866 to 1873, he partnered with his son, William Henry Rogers, under the company name William Rogers & Son.
Starting in 1862, portions of the Rogers brothers’ enterprises were taken over by the Meriden Britannia Co., which, in 1898, became part of the newly formed International Silver Co. Rogers and his brothers were associated with Meriden Britannia Co. until his death. From 1865 to 1869, he partnered with William Henry Rogers, William Henry Watrous, Thomas Birch, and William J. Pierce under the company name Wm Rogers Mfg Co (the William Rogers Manufacturing Company). Clearly, he had a significant impact on American silver production over such a long career with so many companies.
Timeline of Rogers’ Company Affiliations
| Years | Company Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1820–1825 | Apprenticeship with Joseph Church | Learned silversmithing and watchmaking in Hartford. |
| 1825–? | Church & Rogers | Partnership with Joseph Church; manufactured silver-plate flatware and hollowware. |
| 1832–1838 | A. Rogers Jr. & Co. | Partnership with brother Asa Harris Rogers. |
| 1847–1853 | Rogers Brothers | Included brothers Simeon and Asa. Pioneered commercial electroplating of silverware. |
| 1857–1861; 1866–1873 | William Rogers & Son | Partnership with his son, William Henry Rogers. |
| 1865–1869 | William Rogers Manufacturing Co. | Partners included William Henry Rogers, W.H. Watrous, Thomas Birch, and W.J. Pierce. |
| 1862 onward | Meriden Britannia Co. / International Silver Co. | Portions of Rogers’ enterprises were absorbed; became part of International Silver in 1898. |
Wm Rogers Silver Marks: How to Identify Your Piece
One of the fastest and easiest ways to determine if a piece of silver was crafted or designed by William Rogers is to look for Wm Rogers silver marks. American silver hallmarks contain the mark of the manufacturer or silversmith. It indicates the purity of the silver and sometimes identifies the maker and date of manufacture.
Because William Rogers was associated with so many company names, when you are looking at the marks on a piece, look for one of the company names (e.g., William Rogers & Son) and see if there is a corresponding year or symbol. That will give you an idea of whether William Rogers was behind the design and manufacture of the piece.
Where to Look for Marks
Silver marks are usually very small and located in discreet areas. Depending on the item, check:
- Flatware (Forks, Spoons): Look on the back of the handle, near the tip or the base.
- Knives: Look at the metal neck where the blade meets the handle.
- Hollowware (Bowls, Pitchers, Trays): Check the bottom of the base.
Common Mark Variations to Look For
- Eagle / Wm Rogers / Star: This eagle silver mark was used on coin silver marks by William Rogers from 1825 to about 1846. However, beginning in 1878, the same mark was used on silverplate by Simpson, Hall & Miller (which later became part of International Silver). This dual usage can make dating tricky.
- 1865 Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co.: A mark associated with the William Rogers Manufacturing Company, established in 1865.
- Wm. Rogers & Son: Often found in all capital letters, sometimes with “China” underneath.
- Anchor / Rogers / Anchor: A mark used by the Wm. Rogers Manufacturing Company since 1887.
- Rogers Bros.: The trademark used by the Rogers Brothers firm, established in 1847.
Pro Tip: Be aware of the “Rogers” name trap. Many silversmithing firms co-opted “Rogers” for their own devices since the name is so steeped in American history. For example, F.B. Rogers Silver Co. and Wm A Rogers silver (used later by Oneida) were not organized by William Hazen Rogers. Always confirm the exact wording of the mark.
Wm Rogers Silverware Patterns
Rogers was a true artist who created hundreds of Wm Rogers silverware patterns. If you have a silver mark that belongs to him (or at least one of his companies) on a piece, it makes it more likely that the pattern of the piece was designed by him. Keep in mind the years he was alive and creating as well. The year a piece was manufactured should raise the likelihood that he designed the silver pattern.
Many of Rogers’ designs were influenced by Louis XIV-style patterns of the 17th and 18th centuries in France. He was best known for his Wm Rogers Elberon pattern and his “Presidential” cutlery series, which remain among the most highly regarded by collectors. Other notable designs include Magnolia (introduced in 1951, also marketed as Inspiration), Jubilee (introduced in 1953, featuring a flared stem with reeded edges), and Enchanted Rose (a vintage Art Nouveau pattern with a highly detailed floral motif and leafy scrollwork).
In addition, there are guides that are highly helpful for identifying antique flatware patterns. “Silverplated Flatware – An Identification and Value Guide” by Tere Hagan is a particularly good tool. It is a comprehensive silver collector guide to historic silver patterns from a number of silversmiths and companies. William Rogers left behind a remarkable legacy as a silversmith, and there is still a lot of interest in his work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wm. Rogers Silver
How can I tell if my Wm. Rogers piece is sterling silver or silver plate?
When comparing sterling silver vs silver plate, look for a purity mark. If it is stamped “Sterling,” “925,” or “Coin,” it is a solid silver piece. If it is marked “Silver Plate,” “EP,” “EPNS,” or has no purity mark at all (only a maker’s mark), it is likely silver-plated. Wm. Rogers was a pioneer in the silver-plate industry, so the vast majority of his pieces are plated.
What does the eagle mark mean on Wm. Rogers silver?
The eagle mark, often combined with a star, was used by William Rogers on coin silver from 1825 to about 1846. However, the same mark was later licensed and used on silverplate by Simpson, Hall & Miller starting in 1878. This makes the eagle mark a fascinating but sometimes confusing clue for identifying antique silver.
Is Wm. Rogers silver plate worth anything?
The value of vintage silver plate varies greatly. Common electroplated pieces are often not highly valuable monetarily, but rare patterns, complete sets, or pieces in excellent condition can be sought after by collectors. The value is often more sentimental or decorative than intrinsic.
How should I clean my antique Wm. Rogers silver?
When you need to clean silver plate or vintage cutlery, you must be careful not to polish through the thin layer of silver. Avoid harsh abrasives and heavy scrubbing. Stick to mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. For tarnished pieces, a gentle silver polish or a baking soda and aluminum foil bath (for unadorned pieces) is best.
A Lasting Legacy
William Hazen Rogers was a true pioneer of the American silver industry. His journey from an apprentice watchmaker to a master silversmith and industry leader is remarkable. While his many company names and trademarks can make identification challenging, understanding his career timeline and the various marks is the key to unlocking the history of your piece. Whether you own a piece of coin silver from the 1830s or a mid-century silverplate pattern, you are holding a piece of American history.
Explore more expert advice in our silver and antiques cleaning guide, and learn what exactly sterling silver is to care for your treasures with confidence.
