Wm Rogers Hallmark Questions

[hlanning]

I have a few question about my WM Rogers silver tray. The reason I am asking these questions is because of the rough life this piece has had and I need to see if it is worth restoring. There is evidence of green corrosion on both the front and back. Also I can see copper coloring coming through especially around the entire floral design. The hallmark reads as follows: eagle*WmROGERS*star. Then centered on the next line is the #: 161.

First: I have attempted to do some research on Wm Rogers and found a notation that stated the hallmark: eagle*WmROGERS*star is coin silver. Could this piece really be coin silver?

Second: Another website made the following statement: "the mark Wm.Rogers surrounded by a star and eagle was used by Simpson, Hall, Miller and Company in 1878." Could this piece really be from 1878? If not, what is its possible age?

Third: Should this piece be restored?

Thanks!

[2209patrick]

As I understand it, Simpson, Hall, Miller & Company made a contract in 1878 with William Rogers Jr. to produce electro-plated items under the Rogers "Eagle" brand. In 1898 they became part of International Silver. Some marks of Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co. continued to be used into the 1930's by International Silver. Not sure how long the Eagle brand mark was used.