Rogers Silver Co. Quadruple Plate Round Tray/Base
Hollowware (Base or Small Tray) · Rogers Silver Co. of Danbury, Connecticut (active late 19th/early 20th century). Distinct from the many other 'Rogers' brands like Wm. Rogers or Rogers Bros.
Pattern: Pattern No. 187 (Numerical/Catalog series)
Type
Hollowware (Base or Small Tray)
Maker
Rogers Silver Co. of Danbury, Connecticut (active late 19th/early 20th century). Distinct from the many other 'Rogers' brands like Wm. Rogers or Rogers Bros.
Material
Quadruple Silver Plate over white metal (antimony/lead/tin base). 'Quadruple plate' indicates the standard of depositing a specific thickness of silver onto the base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 3.5 to 4.5 inches. Relatively heavy due to the white metal base, likely weighing 150-250 grams.
Description
This is the underside of a quadruple-plated silver object manufactured by the Rogers Silver Co. It features a concentrated circular stamp identifying the maker and the quality of the plating. The surface shows significant patina and sulfide buildup typical of long-term storage in an unregulated environment.
Key Features
The 'Quadruple Plate' marketing stamp and the specific Danbury-based Rogers logo, distinguishing it from International Silver competitors.
Material & Composition
Quadruple Silver Plate over white metal (antimony/lead/tin base). 'Quadruple plate' indicates the standard of depositing a specific thickness of silver onto the base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Original mirror finish now obscured by heavy oxidation and tarnish. Plain, utilitarian style typical of the aesthetic period's more functional wares.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular mark reading 'ROGERS SILVER CO.' at top, 'QUADRUPLE PLATE' at bottom, with a central stylized 'R'. The number '187' is stamped below for the catalog/model number.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or die-struck from a flat sheet of base metal, then electroplated. Occasional soldering for any missing vertical components.
Functional Features
Flat circular base with a slight lip; likely the bottom of a goblet, sugar bowl, or part of a caster set.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible on the base; handles would have been on the missing upper portion of the vessel.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial production quality. The stamp is crisp and centered, showing good factory quality control for mass-market goods.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp matches known Rogers Silver Co. marks from Connecticut. The wear pattern shows darker spots where silver has been removed through abrasion (plate loss).
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Danbury, Connecticut, USA. Part of the prolific New England silver manufacturing tradition.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Early Edwardian (approx. 1890-1910). The 'Quadruple Plate' terminology was most popular during this marketing era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900. The font and circular logo style are indicative of the turn of the 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the Gilded Age, where silver plate allowed middle-class families to imitate the solid sterling collections of the wealthy.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Heavy tarnish (sulfide deposits) and possible 'pitting' where the silver plate has worn thin and the base metal has corroded.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD. As a single base or small plated piece with heavy tarnish, value is primarily decorative or sentimental rather than as bullion.
Care & Maintenance
Requires gentle hand polishing with a non-abrasive cream. Do not use 'dips' as they can strip the remaining thin layer of silver plate off the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Reed & Barton silver plate bases or Gorham electroplated hollowware; differentiated by the 'Anchor' or 'Lion' marks of thoserespective makers.
Interesting Facts
The 'Rogers' name was so famous that dozens of companies used it to capitalize on the reputation of the original three Rogers brothers, leading to complex trademark legal battles in the early 1900s.