F.B. Rogers Silver Co. Swedish Silverplate Rectangular Tray or Case
Hollowware / Decorative Object (likely a tray or cigarette/card case base) · F.B. Rogers Silver Co. (founded 1883, Shelburne Falls, MA). Initially a small partnership, they became a major American silverplate producer, eventually acquired by National Silver Co. in 1955.
Pattern: Modernist Swedish Import Line; Pattern number 0851; Introduced mid-20th century; No longer in production.
Type
Hollowware / Decorative Object (likely a tray or cigarette/card case base)
Maker
F.B. Rogers Silver Co. (founded 1883, Shelburne Falls, MA). Initially a small partnership, they became a major American silverplate producer, eventually acquired by National Silver Co. in 1955.
Material
Silverplate over base metal (likely nickel silver or steel). The lack of a 'Sterling' or '925' stamp confirms this is electroplated silver rather than solid precious metal.
Dimensions
Estimated 8-12 inches in length based on scale; light-to-medium weight typical of contemporary plated hollowware.
Description
A sleek, rectangular silver-plated piece representing the Mid-Century Modern collaboration between American commercial silver brands and Scandinavian manufacturers. This item prioritizes form and reflection over ornate decoration, featuring a mirror-like surface and crisp architectural lines.
Key Features
Contradictory markings (American brand with Swedish origin); clear pattern number 0851; presence of the 1883 founding date logo on a mid-century piece.
Material & Composition
Silverplate over base metal (likely nickel silver or steel). The lack of a 'Sterling' or '925' stamp confirms this is electroplated silver rather than solid precious metal.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish; Minimalist Mid-Century Modern style. No engraving or repoussé decoration, reflecting the clean aesthetic of Swedish imports from this era.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with the F.B. Rogers crown trademark flanked by '18' and '83'; 'F.B. ROGERS SILVER CO.'; pattern number '0851'; and 'MADE IN SWEDEN'. Note: No silver purity hallmarks are present.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck from sheet metal; industrial electroplating process; sharp right-angle edges indicate modern mechanical fabrication.
Functional Features
Flat utility surface; the '0851' designation often refers to a small cocktail tray or the base of a silent butler or card box.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible in the image; likely a rimless or low-profile edge design.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced utility craftsmanship. The stamping is deep and clear, but the item lacks the hand-finishing or heavy gauge metal found in premium luxury silver.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp is authentic for the period; the '1883' is a founding date, not the manufacture date. The sans-serif font of 'MADE IN SWEDEN' is consistent with 1960s industrial export marks.
Origin & Manufacturing
Designed/Retained by F.B. Rogers (USA), manufactured in Sweden to take advantage of high-quality Swedish metalworking reputation and lower production costs in the mid-century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1970). The 'Made in Sweden' mark indicates the post-WWII era when American firms contracted European workshops for sleek, modern designs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965. The typography of the 'MADE IN SWEDEN' stamp and the specific F.B. Rogers logo variant used during their National Silver Co. era support this date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the globalization of the silver market in the 20th century and the shift from traditional Victorian or Colonial styles to European-influenced Minimalism.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy surface scratching across the polished face; significant 'spider-web' micro-scratches from improper cleaning or rough use. No visible plate loss (bleeding), but tarnish is present.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD. Value is limited due to being silverplate (not sterling), the commonness of the maker, and the significant surface scratching.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's); avoid 'dips' which can damage the thin plating; use a soft microfiber cloth to prevent further scratching of the mirror finish.
Similar Pieces
International Silver 'Silver Rhythm' line; Reed & Barton 'Focus' line; or authentic Swedish Gense silverplate. These often have higher silver content or heavier base metals.
Interesting Facts
Despite being an American company, F.B. Rogers imported heavily from Sweden and Italy in the 1960s to compete with the rising popularity of 'Danish Modern' design trends.