To many the name Oneida is simply a brand of silverware, however, the company has an interesting history with roots that began in 1848 in Oneida New York. The Oneida Community was set up as a religious commune by John Humphrey Noyes. The Community required every one to work and each member received shares in the company's various lines of manufacture. In 1899 Oneida Community started producing silver plated wares under the name Oneida Community.
The quality of the pieces was of a very high standard with double plating in areas of most wear and as such was expensive. In 1929 Oneida Community purchased W.A. Rogers and 1881 Rogers companies. This enabled Oneida Community to produce a mid quality product offered at a lesser price under these two brands. In 1935 Oneida Community changed its name to Oneida Ltd.
Cutlery produced by Oneida will have one of several markings. Simply marked Community the earlier cutlery produced up until around 1970 had a thick double plating of silver to the areas of most wear. This could often be detected as a faint circle to the back of the spoon bowls. Other marks include Oneida Silverware and WA Rogers.
Silver plate cutlery production was scaled down and overtaken by Oneida's production of stainless steel cutlery introduced in the early 1960's.
Today the silver plate cutlery produced by the company during the mid 20th century is sought by many. The quality of the silver plating has ensured many sets have survived in good condition and the timeless designs continue to be popular with successive generations.
