F.B. Rogers Silver Co. Silverplate Footed Bowl
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Compote) · F.B. Rogers Silver Company. Established in 1883 in Shelburne Falls, MA, later moved to Taunton. They were a prolific manufacturer of silverplate and eventually became a subsidiary of National Silver Co. and later Corham.
Pattern: Standard Production Scroll/Floral Footed Line (likely Mid-20th Century)
Type
Hollowware (Footed Bowl/Compote)
Maker
F.B. Rogers Silver Company. Established in 1883 in Shelburne Falls, MA, later moved to Taunton. They were a prolific manufacturer of silverplate and eventually became a subsidiary of National Silver Co. and later Corham.
Material
Electroplated Silver over Brass (indicated by E.P. BRASS mark). Contains decorative 'Lead Mounts' (indicated by LEAD MTS), a technique where decorative rims/feet were cast in lead-based white metal for weight and detail before plating.
Dimensions
Estimated 4-6 inches in diameter and 3-4 inches high. Weight is moderately heavy due to the brass base and lead mounts.
Description
This is a classic example of American mid-century silverplated hollowware. Produced by the F.B. Rogers Silver Co., the piece utilizes a durable brass core with decorative lead-alloy mounts to provide a look of traditional elegance at an accessible price point. Its footed design and ornate base suggest it was intended for formal dining or parlor use.
Key Features
Explicit material marking (E.P. Brass and Lead Mts) and the signature F.B. Rogers block-letter stamp.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Silver over Brass (indicated by E.P. BRASS mark). Contains decorative 'Lead Mounts' (indicated by LEAD MTS), a technique where decorative rims/feet were cast in lead-based white metal for weight and detail before plating.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silverplate secondary finish. Features a scrolled/leaf form footed base (likely four feet). The style is Neo-Victorian, common in American mid-market home goods.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'F.B.R.', 'E.P. BRASS' (Electroplated Brass), 'LEAD MTS' (Lead Mounts), 'U.S.A.', and the full name 'F.B. ROGERS'.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured. The body is likely spun or die-struck brass, with decorative feet cast separately and soldered to the base. Electroplated after assembly.
Functional Features
Stable elevated base designed for table service. Heat stops are likely absent. Intended for use as a candy dish, nut bowl, or waste bowl for tea service.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles visible on this specific piece; the grip is the body of the bowl itself supported by stylized floral/scroll feet.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality. The solder seams at the feet are functional but may show age. The plating is uniform but designed for limited lifespan with regular polishing.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, authentic factory stamps. The presence of 'Lead Mts' is a standard period technical disclosure that confirms the piece is not sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Most likely produced in the Taunton, Massachusetts factory during the peak of American industrial silverplate production.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960). Stylistically mimics earlier Victorian/Rococo pieces but manufactured for mass-market consumption.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The block lettering of the stamp and the 'U.S.A.' designation are typical of post-WWII domestic production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Silver for Everyone' movement in post-war America, where silverplated goods allowed middle-class families to emulate the formal dining traditions of the upper class.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible heavy tarnish (sulfide oxidation) with rainbow toning. Scratches on the base suggest frequent use. Potential for 'plate loss' on high-friction areas where the brass may show through.
Value Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD. Value is primarily decorative/utilitarian rather than in metal content, as the silver layer is too thin for scrapping.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Do not use abrasive pads which will strip the thin silver layer to expose the yellow brass. Avoid dishwashers.
Similar Pieces
Similar items from Gorham, Reed & Barton (EP lines), or Sheridan Silver Co. Note that sterling versions of such bowls would be stamped 'Sterling' or '.925' and would be significantly more valuable.
Interesting Facts
Despite the '1883' often seen on their hallmark (though not this specific one), the company underwent many ownership changes, eventually becoming part of the massive International Silver Co. conglomerate family tree.