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Reni, I recently found an ink well shaped like a cat siting beside a ball of yarn, made of cast I think? It is about 4 inches long with yellow glass eyes, and the ball of yarn is about 2 inches across. The ball opens to reveal the well, which has a glass insert. On the bottom of the cat is , wilcox silver plate co. the word "auadxupleplate", I think, and the number 2801. I can't find anything out about this item. Could you tell me the date made and does it have any value? Thank you, S W Y
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Dear S W Y,
American silver plate inkwells with novelty motifs, reached a peak in popularity in the 1880's. The fountain pen was invented in 1886, causing a decline in the use of inkwells into the 20th century. The Wilcox Silver Plate Co., was organized in 1865 and named in 1867. They were one of the original companies to form the International Silver Co. in 1898.* Some manufacturers indicated quality standards (the thickness or layers of electroplate) by marking their wares with the term Òquadruple plateÓ(8 troy ozs per "gross" of teaspoons) along with the trademarks. The Meridan Britannia Co. stopped this practice in 1886. Other companies continued using this term until around 1912. Figural inkwells, even in silver plate, are very collectible. In good condition, values can range from $100.00 - $300.00 and up! (*refer to article back issues in the Journal Sept/Oct. 2001 American silver/silver plate) Meow! Reni
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Reni, I have a silver humidor that belonged to my Great Grandfather. I am looking for information about this piece. It is stamped, Rogers Smith & Co., Meriden, Ct. Quadruple. It then has a number 19 and USA on it. The dimensions are 8" Wide, 11-1/2" long and 3-1/2" to the top of the box. It has dogs on the lid, the overall height is 8". It has doves, leaves, flowers and pillars around the box. The "dogs", one is pointing and the other is standing and has a bird possibly a duck in its mouth. We think he acquired this piece around 1895 to 1900. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you,
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Dear S.S.,
Cigar smoking was in favor at the end of the 19th century, especially with the "sporting crowd." The trend made a resurgence at the end of the 20th century. If your American silver plate humidor is in original condition, it is quit collectible. It's a shame, over the years, so many have been converted for other uses. The lining should be intact and the lid should fit tight. Retail values for table humidors start around $200.00 in my area. The Rogers Smith & Co. trademark, as described above, was used from the early 1880's until 1918. This confirms your family history with the piece. (refer to article in the Journal back issues Sept./Oct 2001 American silver/silver plate for more information. Reni
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Hi Reni, Thanks so much for your time! I sincerely appreciate it. I have a question regarding a Reed & Barton Chocolate Pot. The pot looks to be gold plated over sterling silver. There is a hinged lid. The bottom reads "Insulator Patent Applied For"/ Below that it reads "Reed and Barton Silver Soldered" with the numbers "604 4-S. 32. oz. The Ten Eyck." Followed by the number 31. I was hoping that you could tell me the approximate date of this pot and it's estimated value. Many, many thanks for your time and expertise! D.P.
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Dear D.P.,
I'm a little unclear about the description of marks on your 32oz. Chocolate (or espresso) pot. Could the "The Ten Eyck" be a mis-print? The attached picture is a help. Your pot is contemporary in style, 20th century, probably Post W.W. II. There is no indication that it is made of sterling. The term "silver soldered" is often used on higher quality silver plate. Value for just the pot (it may have been part of a set would be under $50.00 on the secondary market in my area. Reni
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Hi Reni, I have recently purchased what I believe to be a La Concorde master's butter knife, that is imprinted Pat. Jan 14 (??) 1881 R Rogers R Al. I read your previous writings on both the Rogers Brothers and William A. Rogers. Are the two sets of Rogers related? L.
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Hi L.,
As far as I know, William A. Rogers was not related to the William Rogers (Sr. or Jr.) families, with their numerous partnerships and affiliations, based in Connecticut, 19th century. The "1881 R Rogers R" trademark on your master butter knife belongs to Wm. A. Rogers Ltd. and was first used in 1910 This "Rogers" was a smart shopkeeper in New York. He realized how important the "Rogers" name was in marketing his tinned and later, German silver spoons. He was allowed to use "Wm. A. Rogers" on his pieces if they were plated with the same quality as Rogers Bros. standards. Oneida purchased Wm. A. Rogers, Ltd. and trademarks in 1929. Their records show the firm was an Ontario based Corporation with offices still in New York City and factories in Niagara Falls and North Hampton, Massachusetts. Reni
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Hi Reni, I have this beautiful Rogers & Bros. silver plated cruet set. It is in very good condition with no chips, all bottles are intact overall size is 12" high by 7.5" wide. I would like to know what the age and value of the piece might be.
H.C.,
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Dear H.C.,
Your late 19th or early 20th century five bottle caster evolved it's form from cruet stands made in the 18th and early 19th centuries. These earlier stands were made in silver or "Old Sheffield" in England. The first caster frames in britannia were made in America in the 1830's. After the 1850's, elaborately styled casters were an important part of the dinning table's decor as well as serving a useful purpose. In the 1880's Reed & Barton offered over a hundred and fifty different styles. Many other companies produced and sold them through catalogs as well, making casters some of the most popular silver plate accessories of their time. Fancy casters had bottles made of cut crystal, cranberry, amber or other color glass. Figural handles with cupids or animals may have contained call bells or incorporated flower vases in their design. The rotary style was first shown at the Crystal Palace Exhibition, London, 1851. The Rogers & Bros Company was already known for flatware when they started their holloware line in 1874. The trademark on your caster was not discontinued until 1976, but casters were not "trendy" after the 1920's. Your caster appears to be in wonderful condition. In my area, the retail value would range from $150.00 to $200.00. Enjoy, Reni
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