"In the summer of 1858, the firm of Rogers & Brother was established for many years their plant in Waterbury was considered the most complete silverplating production facility in the country. Their line of flatware was stamped (Star) Rogers & Bro. A less expensive grade was marked with their R & B trademark.  Rogers & Brother became part of the International Silver Company in 1898. On 1 January 1938, the original factory was utilized until the equipment was moved to Meriden and combined with other factories located there.   These patterns stamped "Original Rogers" would make one think that the design or pattern was originally created by Rogers Brothers back during the period of their operations 1858 - 1898.

Flatware is a generic term applied to the knives, forks spoons and other utensils people use to serve and eat food. Silver-plated flatware is made of a base metal like stainless steel, brass or copper that has been electroplated with silver. The plating is thinner than a human hair. Silver-plated flatware first appeared in the mid-19th century as manufacturers sought to expand their market by offering a low-priced alternative to pure sterling silverware.

When not in use, keep these Sterling or Silver-Plated flatware in a closed drawer or chest lined with tarnish-resistant cloth. We do not recommend any of these three metals to be put in the dishwasher. If you choose to place them in a dishwasher, ensure that you do not mix metals in the same load. Remove flatware before the drying cycle and hand dry. Also, dishwashing detergents might contain bleach that remove the oxidation that was used to highlight pattern detail.   Sterling and silver-plate do require periodic polishing with high-quality silver polish. -ONEIDA

Silver-plated flatware, unlike sterling silver, has no intrinsic value. However, it does have some market value to flatware collectors, as long as the silver plating hasn’t worn through, and to people who seek to fill out incomplete flatware sets. According to the Silver Season website, more than 2,000 different silver-plated flatware patterns were produced from the 1850s to the 1950s, on more than 200 different types of eating and serving utensils. Certain makers’ marks denote better quality, including Gorham, Towle, Oneida Community and 1847 Rogers Bros.

Silver-plated flatware is subject to black tarnish from atmospheric sulfur compounds. Silver plate stored in damp conditions will develop crusty green deposits from corrosion between the silver and the base metal. The Society of American Silversmiths advises that the best way to preserve your silver plate is to prevent tarnish and corrosion.

Silver-plated flatware should be washed by hand with a non-lemon-scented, phosphate-free dish detergent and dried immediately with a soft dish towel. Never wash silver-plated flatware in a dishwasher, according to the Society of American Silversmiths, because the high heat and harsh detergents can damage the thin plating and loosen knife handles or non-metal components of the flatware. Also, pepper and salt corrode silver plating, so shakers should be emptied, washed and dried before storing.