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Reni, I have this rhinestone pin of a lady smoking a cigarette and I was wanting some information about her. She is marked Sterling BB behind the pin and sterling on her hand. I would like to find out how old she is and who made her. If you can help, please respond. Also, I have one more question; what year was sterling silver no longer marked sterling and the 925 mark started to be used in the USA? Thank you so much! C.
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Hi C.,
Your sterling 1930's - 40's style "smoking lady" pin may have been produced again in more recent years, but she's an American classic. There are a few companies that used a mark close to the "BB" you describe. "B.& B." is the Bates & Bacon company mark. They were based in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and were listed in trade circulars from 1900 thru 1943. If your mark is "B.B.", it could be E.A. Bennett & Co. from Providence, R.I. They worked from the late 19th century into the 1920's. "B-B" stands for Barker & Barker. They were also from Providence and worked on both sides of World War II. The manufacturers from this New England area were famous for their sterling and costume jewelry designs. Sterling Silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Copper is added for strength and hardness. The word "sterling" is derived from a group of German traders, called, "Easterling", from the 12th century. They paid for merchandise with silver coin in which the content was strictly controlled. The sterling standard has been in place through out Great Britain for centuries. The lion passant hallmark represents the fineness standard. Tiffany introduced the U.S.A. to the sterling standard in 1852. The National Stamping Act was passed in 1906. The 925 mark for sterling is used in many countries across the continent and Asia. International trade and off-shore manufacturing, make it possible to see either or both marks on silver jewelry today. Reni
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Dear Reni, My friend has a few pieces of silver plate flatware with the markings "Simeon L. & George H. Rogers" and "PAT APR 18.05' I don't have a picture of the flatware, but it is quite ornate with heavy raised floral patterns on the two-curved handle tip as well as down the shank of the spoons and forks. There is an unusual butter knife with the blade angled at 90 degrees from the handle. There is also a sharp, I assume, carving knife that has been used as a kitchen knife. Without a picture of the flatware or a pattern name, is there any way you can give us an idea of the value of these pieces? Thank you very much, E.P.
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Dear E.P.
Simeon L. & Geo. H. Rogers Co. were in business in Hartford, Conn. around 1900. They were purchased by Wm. A. Rogers Limited in 1918 and by Oneida in 1929. Most silver plate flatware pieces have little value compared to their sterling cousins. The turn of the century floral patterns are a collectible trend now. Condition is very important. The carving knife used in the kitchen probably has little value, if there are scratches on the blade. The butter knife can be valued between $15.00 and $20.00. Larger pieces (punch and gravy ladles, salad sets, etc.) have higher values. The more pieces you have to a set, the more each pieces is worth. Keep collecting! Reni
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Hi Reni, I have just purchased a small silver platter and am trying to discover what I have. It's approximately 10 inches wide (perhaps a sandwich plate?). On the back it says "made in England". It has a mark that is a small circle with 2 lines running horizontally and a cross on the top. The bottom of the cross is attached to the top horizontal line. The very edge of the plate on the back is what looks like a u 24. Its a very pretty piece and I'm cleaning it up to display. In 2 places, the silver has pinkish tone to it. Does this indicate anything? Do you know who made it from the mark and the approximate year? Please help me figure this out. Thanks D.
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Dear D.
Your small silver plate platter was manufactured by Barker Bros. Silver Co., Inc. Mary Barker started this company in Birmingham, England, c-1801. It continued on with her son (Barker & Creed) and by 1860, grandson and great grandson. The company was so successful, a New York branch was opened in 1897. Barker Bros. main product was electroplate, although they also worked with sterling. Export to the U.S. began around 1905. By 1925, over half their product was shipped here. The were know for fine antique reproductions, and often used copper as a base metal. This explains the "pinkish" tones showing through on your platter. In 1931, Barker Bros. purchased Ellis & Co and the name became Barker Ellis Silver Co., Ltd. In the U.S., the company was known as Ellis-Barker. A registered trademark for Barker Bros. Silver Co. was issued Feb. !0, 1935, for silver plate holloware and flatware. "Made in England" was used after 1887 by English law. Your platter was manufactured after that date and probably before W.W.II. I hope I've helped, Reni
Rainwater and Redfield, Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers. 4th Ed. Schiffer, 1998 Colme, the Directory of Gold and Silversmiths, 1987 reprinted 1992, pp. 26 - 27
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Hi Reni, I recently purchased a tea set marked FB Rogers Silver Co with the crown and 1883 marked with the item #1224, and was wondering of it's value. I have also noticed on the we site that alot of people talking about silver over copper. Mine doesn't say that but, how would I know? Thanks so much, Thanks G.B.
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Dear G.B.
If copper is used as a base metal, wear spots and scratches would show through in pink colored metal. Depending on condition, number of pieces and pattern, an F.B. Rogers tea set in my area would sell between $300.00 and $600.00. Also, for more information please refer to my article in the Journal Section..Sept/Oct 2001 back issues. Thank you for the question, Reni
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