FB Rogers and the democratization of beautiful tableware
About This Item
At 13 inches long by 7 inches wide, the silver-plated dish shown here is the typical size for a bread tray. Trays of this size are designed to hold several slices of bread, making them a functional and elegant addition to the dining table.
The label on the bottom of the dish indicates that it is from the F.B. Rogers Silver Company, based in Taunton, MA, USA. The red label with the company's name is a style of marking that was used throughout various periods, so it doesn't provide a precise date. However, based on the label style and the design of the dish, it could potentially be from the mid-20th century, a period when paper labels were a common form of marking silver-plated items.
Who Used This, and How?
During the Victorian era, silverware like F.B. Rogers bread plates would typically have been purchased by the middle to upper classes of society. Owning such items was a sign of social status and respectability. Silver pieces were an important aspect of Victorian dining culture and were used not only for their practical function but also to display wealth and good taste.
These plates would have been used during formal meals and special occasions. The ritual of dining was a significant social activity, and the table would be set with an array of silverware that denoted the wealth and the social standing of the host.
For the middle class, owning silver-plated items was a way to emulate the aristocracy and to demonstrate their own upward mobility and refinement. As the industrial revolution progressed and manufacturing methods improved, silver-plated items became more affordable and accessible to a broader segment of the population. This led to more households being able to purchase items that were previously exclusive to the wealthy.
Silver items like bread plates were commonly given as wedding or anniversary gifts. Silverware was considered a valuable and lasting gift that could be used for a lifetime and often became family heirlooms. Such gifts were a way to provide a new couple with something practical and elegant for their home together, symbolizing good wishes for their shared future. The tradition of giving silver as a gift for special occasions dates back centuries and is still practiced today, although the types of silver items given may have evolved.
Silver bread plates, in particular, would have been an appropriate and appreciated gift, especially in times when formal dining and entertaining at home played an important role in social life. They would be used for special occasions and gatherings, reinforcing their significance as a meaningful gift.
About FB Rogers
F. B. Rogers Silver Co. was a silversmithing (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silversmithing) company founded in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts in 1883. It was acquired by Edmund W. Porter and L.B. West, who incorporated the company and moved manufacturing operations to Taunton, Massachusetts in 1886.
F.B. Rogers Silver Company, established in 1883 in Taunton, Massachusetts, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality silverware and silver-plated items. This company is a part of American history in the craftsmanship of silver goods, known for its intricate designs and durable products. While F.B. Rogers primarily focused on silver-plated ware, they also produced sterling silver items, though these were less common due to the higher cost of sterling silver.
Their product line included a wide array of items such as tea sets, trays, flatware, bowls, and candlesticks, catering to both functional uses and aesthetic appeal for those looking to add elegance to their dining experience. The designs ranged from simple and classic to ornate patterns, reflecting the trends and preferences of different eras. Over the years, F.B. Rogers Silver Company's products became synonymous with quality silver plating, making their items sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of antique silverware.
The company's hallmark, often found stamped on the bottom of their pieces, includes the F.B. Rogers name along with the word "Silver" followed by "Company" and sometimes the specific type of silver used, such as "Sterling" or "Silverplate." Identifying these marks can help verify the authenticity of the silverware and its period of manufacture.
By the late 20th century, changes in consumer preferences and the economy led to a decline in demand for traditional silverware, impacting companies like F.B. Rogers. For several years, the company was known as West Silver Company, and produced silver products for the William Rogers Manufacturing Company of Hartford, Connecticut. Ultimately the brand went through various ownerships and eventually ceased operations. However, the legacy of F.B. Rogers Silver Company endures, with its silverware continuing to be cherished by those who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of fine silver.
Are FB Rogers Dishes Likely To Appreciate in Value?
The potential for an F.B. Rogers silver-plated bread dish value to increase in over time depends on its condition, rarity, demand among collectors, and broader trends in the market for silver and antiques. Today our own staff assessment is that silver-plate is somewhat collectible, meaning these lovely dishes aren't always easy to find but are still quite affordable.
Silver-plated items generally do not command prices as high as solid silver or sterling silver.
FB Rogers was decommissioned in the 2000's and the factory has been destroyed, so no more FB Rogers pieces will ever be made.
Given these factors, it's challenging to predict with certainty whether a specific F.B. Rogers silver-plated bread plate will increase in value. We believe (and this is *only* our opinion, and does not in any way form a guarantee, surety, or similar) that individual pieces or sets are unlikely to depreciate and, in time and depending on the market, may even appreciate to a modest degree. Keeping abreast of trends in antiques and collecting, and taking good care of any vintage item will help preserve its value over time.
