Expert: Joanne Murphy - 7/26/2004

Question
Hello!  My grandmother was an antique collector while she was alive and we discovered a chest of flatware pieces.  I hope you will be able to help identify with your expertise.  There are 3 patterns: 1)Fork has a rose at the tip, middle and edge of stem, the back says Rogers Nickel Silver. 2)Fork with design w/grapes at tip, middle and end of stem.  The back says 1881 (R) Rogers (R)A1. 3)knifes;similar design as #2.  The back says WM. A. Rogers 12Dwt. Warranted and has 3 RRR.  Is it safe to clean the items if they are of value. If so, any information is appreciated.  Thank you very much, Christine

Answer
Hello, Christine. What nice pieces these are. In response:

1) I am not sure of this pattern. If you could possibly e-mail me a picture directly at joannemurphy@mn.rr.com, I could research further.

2) I believe this pattern is La Vigne, first made in 1908. This is a highly desirable and collectible pattern.

3) I believe this pattern is La Concorde, first made in 1910. Again, a highly desirable and collectible pattern.

Any pattern with a grape motif is very popular with collectors right now. To verify that #2 & #3 are what you have, you can go to ebay.com and in the search box, put Rogers La Vigne and then Rogers La Concorde. Listings should come up and you can see what they are selling for. You can also click on the pictures to verify the pattern that you have.

As for cleaning, it is safe to clean these with a silver polish. I use Wright's Silver Polish which can be found in most grocery or hardware stores. Never use one of those liquid dips - it removes the tarnish but also a lot of the finish. And never put silverplate or sterling in the dishwasher - that also removes the finish.

Hope this helps and if you can get a picture of the first pattern, I would love to see it.

Joanne