I recently stumbled across a full chest of 1847 rogers bros adoration flatware at a local estate sale, and it honestly stopped me in my tracks. There is something about that specific 1939 pattern that just feels different from the thousands of other silver-plated designs floating around out there. It's got this perfect balance of "old-world fancy" and "modern sleekness" that somehow still works on a dinner table today, even if you're just eating takeout on a Tuesday night.
If you've ever inherited a set or found a stray spoon at a thrift shop, you know exactly what I'm talking about. The 1847 Rogers Bros line, produced by the International Silver Company, has dozens of patterns, but Adoration has a dedicated following that hasn't really faded since it was first released. It's one of those designs that tells a story about a specific moment in American history, right on the edge of a new era.
The Story Behind the Adoration Pattern
To really appreciate the 1847 rogers bros adoration pattern, you have to look back at when it hit the scene. It was launched in 1939, which was a massive year for design. You had the New York World's Fair going on, and the world was transitioning from the heavy, ornate decorations of the Victorian and Edwardian eras into something much more streamlined.
International Silver was the powerhouse behind the "1847 Rogers Bros" brand name. Even though the company wasn't actually founded in 1847 (that was just the year the Rogers brothers perfected their electroplating process), they used the date as a stamp of quality and heritage. By the time 1939 rolled around, they needed something that felt fresh. They came up with Adoration, and it was an instant hit. It stayed in production for quite a while, which is why you can still find so many pieces in good condition today if you know where to look.
A 1939 Classic
What's cool about 1939 is that it was the tail end of the Art Deco movement. You can see those influences in the 1847 rogers bros adoration design, but it's softened up a bit. It's not as rigid or geometric as the stuff from the 1920s. It has a bit more "romance" to it, which I guess is why they gave it such a sentimental name. Back then, silver wasn't just for show; it was a standard wedding gift that people expected to use for the rest of their lives.
What Makes the Design So Special?
If you look closely at a piece of 1847 rogers bros adoration, the first thing you'll notice is the "V" shape at the top of the handle. It almost looks like a stylized plume or a very elegant chevron. It's got these clean, vertical lines running down the handle that give it a sense of height and sophistication, but then it ends in those delicate, rounded scrolls at the base.
It's a very "tactile" pattern. When you hold an Adoration spoon or fork, it feels substantial. One of the reasons people still love collecting this stuff is the weight. Modern stainless steel often feels light and flimsy, but these silver-plated pieces have a core of "nickel silver" (which is actually a mix of copper, nickel, and zinc) that gives them a satisfying heft.
Art Deco Meets Modernism
The design is really a bridge between two worlds. It's fancy enough to use with your best china, but it isn't so "fussy" that it looks out of place in a more modern, minimalist kitchen. I've seen people mix and match 1847 rogers bros adoration with completely different patterns, and it still holds its own. The way the light hits those recessed grooves in the handle is just beautiful—it gives the silver a lot of depth that you don't get with flat, smooth patterns.
Building a Collection Today
Starting a collection of 1847 rogers bros adoration is actually a pretty accessible hobby. Unlike sterling silver, which can cost thousands of dollars for a basic set because of the raw melt value of the metal, silver plate is much more affordable. You can often find individual pieces for five or ten dollars, and full sets for a couple of hundred.
The fun part is hunting for the "odd" pieces. Sure, everyone has the teaspoons and dinner forks, but have you seen the Adoration tomato server? Or the flat handle master butter knife? There are so many specialized serving pieces that were common in the 1940s but feel like "treasures" now.
Where to Find the Good Stuff
Honestly, eBay and Etsy are your best friends here, but don't sleep on local antique malls. Because 1847 rogers bros adoration was so popular, it shows up everywhere. When you're buying, just keep an eye out for "plate loss" or "silver sickness." That's when the silver plating has worn down so much that the base metal starts showing through—usually looking like a dull yellowish or brassy spot. A little bit of wear gives it character, but too much can make it hard to keep clean.
Tips for Keeping Your Silver Shiny
I know a lot of people are scared of silver because they don't want to deal with the polishing. I get it. We're all busy, and the idea of sitting at the kitchen table with a rag and stinky chemicals doesn't sound like a fun Saturday. But here's the secret: the more you use your 1847 rogers bros adoration, the less you have to polish it.
Using the silver and washing it (by hand!) keeps the tarnish from building up. The oils from your hands and the gentle friction of washing it actually help maintain the finish.
The Golden Rule: No Dishwashers
If there is one thing you remember from this, let it be this: never put your vintage silver in the dishwasher. The high heat and the harsh detergents will absolutely wreck the plating over time. It can also cause "pitting" in the metal, which you can't really fix. Just use some mild dish soap, a soft sponge, and dry it off immediately with a soft cloth. If you do need to polish it, use a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream. It's way better than those "dip" cleaners that can be too aggressive.
Is It Actually Worth Anything?
From a strictly financial standpoint, you're probably not going to retire on your 1847 rogers bros adoration collection. Silver plate doesn't have the same "investment" value as solid .925 sterling. However, its value lies in its history and its utility.
A well-maintained 50-piece set in the original wooden chest can still fetch a decent price, especially if it includes the rarer serving pieces like the gravy ladle or the cold meat fork. But for most collectors, the value is sentimental. It's about owning a piece of 1930s craftsmanship that still looks amazing eighty years later.
Why We Still Care About Adoration
I think we're seeing a resurgence in interest for things like 1847 rogers bros adoration because people are tired of "disposable" culture. We buy plastic forks for parties and cheap stainless steel sets that we replace every few years. There's something grounding about using a fork that was made to last a century.
Every time I set the table with these pieces, I think about the people who owned them before me. They probably used them for Thanksgiving dinners during the war, for baby showers in the 50s, and for family reunions in the 70s. It's a tangible link to the past.
If you're thinking about picking up some 1847 rogers bros adoration for yourself, I say go for it. Whether you want a full set for holiday dinners or just a single sugar shell spoon to use with your morning coffee, it's a small way to add a bit of elegance to your day. Plus, it's a great conversation starter. People always notice the "V" pattern and ask about it. It's classic, it's sturdy, and it's a beautiful reminder that some designs truly are timeless.