B. Rogers Silver Co. 1206 Silver on Copper Hollowware
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or Bowl based on the flat surface and stamp style) · B. Rogers Silver Co. (also known as Byron Rogers), founded in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1883. The company was later acquired by the International Silver Co. in 1929, though the brand name continued to be used for commercial silverplate.
Pattern: Design No. 1206 (pattern-specific records for B. Rogers are often undocumented, but '1206' would denote the specific die used for this vessel)
Type
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Platter, or Bowl based on the flat surface and stamp style)
Maker
B. Rogers Silver Co. (also known as Byron Rogers), founded in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1883. The company was later acquired by the International Silver Co. in 1929, though the brand name continued to be used for commercial silverplate.
Material
Silver On Copper (Silverplate). This is a base of solid copper that has been electroplated with a thin layer of silver. It contains NO solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-15 inches in diameter/length based on the scale of the stamp; weight is relatively heavy due to the copper core, likely 500-1200 grams.
Description
This is a classic example of American mass-produced silverplate hollowware. Manufactured by the B. Rogers Silver Co., the piece features a sturdy copper core—indicated by the stamp and the reddish 'bleeding' often seen on worn pieces—covered in a layer of electrodeposited silver. It is a utilitarian but elegant piece designed for the middle-class American table during the early 20th century.
Key Features
The 'Silver on Copper' stamp is a primary indicator that this is not solid silver. The '1883' date is a common source of confusion for novice collectors who mistake it for an antique date of origin.
Material & Composition
Silver On Copper (Silverplate). This is a base of solid copper that has been electroplated with a thin layer of silver. It contains NO solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver surface with moderate surface scratching. As a mid-tier silverplate manufacturer, decoration on such pieces often included chased floral motifs or gadrooned borders, but the back panel shown is a plain mirror finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A crown 'Trade Mark' logo flanked by the date '18' and '83'; 'B. ROGERS SILVER CO.'; 'SILVER ON COPPER'; model number '1206'. Note: '1883' refers to the company's founding date, not the item's manufacture date.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured electroplated copper. The form was likely die-stamped or spun, and the silver layer was applied via the electrolytic process.
Functional Features
Functional serving piece; non-porous surface intended for food service or display. The 'Silver on Copper' construction provides excellent heat conductivity.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible in image, though standard Rogers platters often utilized cast white metal handles that were soldered on and then plated.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial quality. The stamping is clear but lacks the depth of hand-chased silver. The edges and finish are consistent with factory-line standards of the time.
Authentication Indicators
The marks are consistent with known B. Rogers factory stamps. The absence of the word 'Sterling' or the '.925' mark confirms it is plated. Wear patterns are consistent with soft silver over hard copper.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Taunton, Massachusetts, which was a historic hub of the American silverplate industry.
Era & Period
Early to Mid-20th Century (1920-1950s). Although the stamp says 1883, the typography and branding style are consistent with the early 1900s mass-production era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1940. This reflects the period when B. Rogers functioned most prominently as a brand under International Silver.
Cultural Significance
Representative of the democratization of luxury in early 20th-century America, where silverplated copper allowed average households to own 'silver' that looked much like the solid sterling of the upper class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant 'polishing wear'—micro-scratches on the surface likely from abrasive cleaning. Minor tarnish spots and potential 'bleeding' where the silver layer is thinning to expose the copper underneath.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $45.00 USD. Value is based on utility and decorative appeal rather than metal content, as the silver content is negligible.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild non-abrasive silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Do not over-polish, as the silver layer is very thin and will eventually wear away to reveal the red copper base. Hand wash and dry immediately.
Similar Pieces
1847 Rogers Bros 'Heritage' platters, Gorham 'Silver on Copper' trays, and Sheffield Reproduction silverplate pieces. Rogers pieces are generally valued lower than Gorham or Tiffany plate.
Interesting Facts
B. Rogers is one of several 'Rogers' names in the silver industry (along with Wm. Rogers, 1847 Rogers Bros, etc.), a name that became synonymous with American silverplate due to its consumer popularity.