Help identify this pattern. rogers tested Sterling/coin silv

[jcm]

Hi
I have a set of silverware marked 1881 r rogers r A1. The r's have a design around them. We test the peice and it test 80-85 silver. just need help identifying the design help please.
here is a pic



ps we acid tested it 3 times. it also has a patent date of dec,27,10
thanks
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[dragonflywink]

The marks clearly indicate silverplate, it's the Briar Rose pattern by Wm. A. Rogers (Oneida), introduced in 1910.

~Cheryl
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[jcm]

Ok thanks, I have a set of 28 peices 6 place settings. They look more white/silver then silver. The test I guess was wrong. But I don't know how, the only part that showed plated was the blade part of the knive. I was wondering on the knives it has the logo larger and says warrented 12 Dwt what does the dwt mean any ideas. (admin edit - see Posting Requirements)
thanks
james
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[dragonflywink]

It's a pretty pattern, but please rest assured that your set is plated, won't go into my feelings on testing (other than by specific gravity), especially when marks are present. In the picture it appears to have been overcleaned, perhaps by chemical dip, leaving it without any patina, that might explain the whitish color. Warranted 12 Dwt indicates the amount of plating, dwt marks often appear on hotelware silverplate.

~Cheryl
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[jcm]

Ok then and thanks,But what do you mean testing specific gravity,just curious, and which marks mean plated(curious again) is it possible that they did make a few in silver? I did weigh a spoon against another that says plated,that spoon weighed in at 1.9 ounces and this one weighed in at 1.1
Just curious about it. so I will know what marks are plated. and I called replacements and they were not very helpfull. she replied "do you have the silver set or plated version. just was asking about the prices of a few replacement pieces. But it is a beutifull pattern.
thanks
P.s She did say that "Dwt means the weight of silver (she said that Dwt=pennyweight in silver terms) on the blade sir.since the blades are usually plated or made of stainless.
sort of rude.
thanks
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[2209patrick]

That is a silverplate mark first used around 1910 by William A. Rogers Ltd.
The A1 refers to the quality of the silverplate.
If it were sterling it would be marked .925 or sterling.
The specific gravity test ( also known as hydrostatic weighing) is a non-invasive method of testing silver and gold.


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[Hose_dk]

Rest asured that if a maker of silverplate should produce anythin in silver - he will add silver marks. Thats the hole idea that silver is more expensive and mark on silverplate should leed people to think that they have a kind of silver.

When testing with asid you have proberly only tested the surface. And that is silver (its silver plated) before you put asid on the piece you have to remove the silverplate. When I test I scrach deep into the item removing the surface getting deep into the base metal. I use a knife cotting the edge of the piece. Afterwards you can see where I have tested. But that is the only way.

2 pieces are never identical so you cannot measure by weight (not properly) you have to know the exact number og cubic cemtimeters in each item - to get a result. it is not enough that you think they are at the same size.

Boiling water is another method. Find 2 pieces almost similar. One silver plated the other solid silver. Hold one in each hand at put a small piece of the items into the water. The one in silver will become hot (in your hand) before the one in silver plate. test it a few times with items that you are sure to get the feeling os it. Afterwards you can try to relay on this method.
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[salmoned]

A specific gravity test is a measure of density using a scale and water. The density of pure silver is about 10.5 grams/cc, the density of most base metals substitutes is less than 9 grams/cc and the density of water is about 1 gram/cc. Silver alloys between .800 and .925 silver generally have a density over 10 grams/cc.

The test - The object is weighed in the usual manner. Then the object is weighed while suspended (I use monofilament fishing line), both in air and in water. The difference in weight (in grams) while suspended in air versus water is approximately equal to the displacement (volume) of the object in cubic centimeters (cc's). The weight of the object divided by the volume equals the density. Silver-plated objects will have a density of 9 g/cc or less, solid silver objects will have a density of 10 or more.

Note: The tested object must not have any voids which cannot be filled with water (such as hollow handles).
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