F.B. Rogers Silver Co. Silver-Plated Tableware Piece
Hollowware (Plate or Tray) · F.B. Rogers Silver Company, founded in 1883 in Shelburne Falls, Mass., later moving to Taunton. Known for mass-produced silver-plated hollowware, they were eventually acquired by International Silver Co. in 1955.
Pattern: Unknown Colonial or Victorian Style Pattern
Type
Hollowware (Plate or Tray)
Maker
F.B. Rogers Silver Company, founded in 1883 in Shelburne Falls, Mass., later moving to Taunton. Known for mass-produced silver-plated hollowware, they were eventually acquired by International Silver Co. in 1955.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS or nickel-base) over base metal. No solid silver content; the visible 'bleeding' suggests copper or nickel base beneath the worn plate.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter 20-30 cm; standard weight for silver-plated base metal (likely 250-500g depending on thickness).
Description
This is a standard silver-plated hollowware piece by the prolific American manufacturer F.B. Rogers. Representing the post-WWII era of affordable household luxury, these items were designed to provide the look of sterling silver at a fraction of the cost for the average middle-class home.
Key Features
Manufacturer crown logo, specific catalog number 1318, and deep cross-hatch surface scratching typical of heavily used vintage plate.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS or nickel-base) over base metal. No solid silver content; the visible 'bleeding' suggests copper or nickel base beneath the worn plate.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver plate with significant surface scratching and oxidation. The item appears to have a simple utilitarian finish common in 20th-century commercial plating.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Features the 'FB Rogers Silver Co' name mark alongside a pattern or catalog number '1318' and a crown-like symbol often used in their trademark. Absence of 'Sterling' or '925' confirms it is plated.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed/stamped from a sheet of base metal and then electroplated. Production is industrial rather than hand-wrought.
Functional Features
Standard serving surface; raised lip design for stability. Typical of mid-to-late 20th century domestic dinnerware.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible; likely a flat rimmed plate or small tray.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; stamped rather than chased. The focus was on high-volume production rather than artisanal detail.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are consistent with F.B. Rogers' commercial line. The lack of purity marks (lion passant or .925) and the quality of the stamp indicate industrial plating.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Taunton, Massachusetts). Manufactured using industrial electroplating techniques prevalent in the New England silver industry.
Era & Period
Mid-Century mass production (c. 1940-1970). Stylistic simplicity suggests a transition from traditional to modern utility.
Age Estimate
Likely circa 1950-1965 based on the style of the stamp and the wear pattern of the plating.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 20th-century American trend of 'Sunday Best' dining where silver-plated items were used to elevate family meals and social gatherings.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The surface shows heavy 'swirl' scratches from improper cleaning and significant tarnish. Potential plating loss (bleeding) is visible where the base metal is starting to show through.
Value Estimate
£5.00 - £15.00. The item has primarily functional or decorative value rather than precious metal scrap value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid hard scrubbing, as the silver layer is very thin and can be completely removed, exposing the base metal.
Similar Pieces
International Silver Co. plated trays, Oneida Community Plate, or Reed & Barton silver-plated hollowware. These are similar in market value and manufacturing.
Interesting Facts
F.B. Rogers was one of the many companies absorbed by the International Silver Company, which once controlled nearly 70% of the US silver market.