Little Creamer The Middletown Plate Co.

Catalog number 733.

I like this little fellow. The curvy shape appeals to me. It would have been a part of an individual serving set. It was made by the Middletown Plate Co. and has their earlier mark. I think Middletown is an under collected name in silverplate. Meriden Britannia Co. is supposed to be such fine work, but Middletown is just as old and I think quite nice.  Lets look at some fun facts:

Middletown Plate Co. 
(Do not confuse with the Middletown Silver Plate Co.)

Place:

     Middletown Connecticut 

Year:
     1864-1899-merger with ISC-

Founders:
     Edward Payne
     Henry Bullard

Made:
     holloware
     flatware

Mergers:
     1866 incorporated
     1899 Joined International Silver Co.

Notes:
     Sold Wares to the Wm. Rogers co. that plated and sold the material with their own mark.
     This means identical pieces can be found with different stamps

Forbes Silver Co. Spooner and Waste

Catalog number 572

Water Pitcher- Pelton Bros. Silver Plate Co.

I picked up this water pitcher last weekend. An older gentleman I know that sells at the local flea market had pulled it out for me from a box of junk. He even had had his grandson polish it with a cloth to take off most of the tarnish. It was exquisite. At first I thought it was missing its ceramic insert, however, it has an ice shield that swings inward and this tells me that it never had one. The finial on top is easy enough to see in the picture, but around the edge are shields and papyrus with little birds inside the shields. The same design is repeated around the top. The spout has flowers on it and the motif is repeated in the handle.

The mark is terribly hard to read. However after enough staring I figured out it was "made" by the Pelton Bros. Silver Plate Co.

Pelton Bros. Silver Plate Co. was located in St. Louis Missouri and seems to have existed from 1872 to 1900. It was managed for a time by Philip S.Pelton.

Their flatware was marked:
Triple Plate 12
Sectional Plate XII
Standard Plate 4

Their hollowware was marked as a PB in a shield and as a circular cartouche.

I question that this being made by them. There is another set of marks on the bottom of the pitcher that has been over-struck and then plated. A barely visible CT can be seen and I am assuming that the underlying britannia metal was bought from one of the Connecticut manufacturers and then plated by the Pelton Bros. This was a pretty common practice in the Victorian era. In fact this practice was one of the contributing reasons that the International Silver Company formed because some firms found that by uniting they could save money on this trend in the industry. It also explains identical pieces having different manufacturing marks.

Clearing up the Wilcox Name

Clearing up the Wilcox Name

Like Rogers (though thankfully fewer) there are several silver and silverplate companies with Wilcox in the name.  We are going to take on a few here.

Wilcox Britannia Co.

Meriden, Connecticut

Founded 1865

Founders:

            Jebediah Wilcox

            Horace Wilcox

            Aaron Collins

            Charlie Parker

            Hezekeah Miller

Made:

            Hollowware

Changed name to Wilcox Silver Plate Co. in 1867

Wilcox & Evertsen

New York, New York

Named in 1892

Formed out of Rowan and Wilcox that started in 1889.

The two founders:

Robert M. Wilcox

Henry H. Evertsen

Made:

            Sterling silver hollowware

            Sterling flatware

            Generally considered to be well designed

Purchased by:

In 1896 they were bought out by the Meriden Britannia Company.

Factories were moved to Meriden Connecticut

1898 – International Silver Company formed (A chief founder being the Meriden Britannia Company)

            Division tools moved to Wallingford Connecticut

            Worked inside the Simpson Nickel Silver Plant

In 1919 their lines became consolidated into the old Simpson, Hall & Miller building.

Marks:

            Hollowware

            Indian head, with feather on top

Flatware

            Wilcox & Evertsen

           

H. C. Wilcox and Co.

Meriden, Connecticut

Founded 1848

Founders:

            Horace C. Wilcox

            Dennis C. Wilcox

Served as an early marketing and distribution service in Meriden Connecticut

Wilcox-Roth Co.

Newark, New Jersey

First reference 1909

Made Sterling Silver

No other information

Mark:

            W Lion R inside a C with an o at the “mouth” of the c

Wilcox Silver Plate Co.

Meriden, Connecticut

Founded 1865/1867

Founders:

            Jebediah Wilcox

            Horace Wilcox

            Aaron Collins

            Charlie Parker

            Hezekeah Miller

Made:

            Hollowware

Purchased:

            1869 purchased the Parker & Casper co.

            1898 helped to found the International Silver Co.

            Wilcox mark used after the foundation as a line in the ISC.

            1941 Factory closed because of WWII

1961 became Webster-Wilcox

1981 Webster-Wilcox sold to Oneida Silversmiths

Marks:

            Too many to list them all:

            Wilcox S.P. Co.

            Wilcox Silver Plate Co.

            Superior Silver Co.

            Made and Guaranteed by Wilcox Silver Co.

            W S P Co.

            Pewter by Wilcox

            Superior S.P.Co.

Wilcox and Wagoner

New York, New York

1904-1905

Made:

            Sterling Hollowware and Glassware

Purchased:

            Bought by the Watson Co. in 1905

Marks:

            Sword in wreath

            WW

           

           

Leaf Dish from Wilcox Silver Plate

 

I also picked up this leaf dish this weekend. There is a seller at the local flea that bought out another seller and the organizer of the flea. He bought so much stuff and so much of it has been in storage for sometimes over twenty years that in order to sell it he pulls out boxes and anything in them gets sold for a dollar.

I am guessing that they go through the boxes very quickly before they get sent to the flea but I don't think that I can describe the condition of most of the stuff. Some of it has had rain on and animals living amongst it for twenty years. So you have to do some digging. Usually there is nothing. The last things I bought off of him were a creamer/sugar (late 1930's) both for a dollar after bargaining and a ten pound box of silverplate flatware for seven dollars.

The chap who works the booth is an employee of the chap that owns the goods and I am a good customer of the chap that owns the goods antique stores and know his daughter. In fact before I knew him I was the first customer in his new antique store the day it opened one town over. Plus as it turns out I also know his sister. But back to the dollar booth. 

I dug around a bit and out pops this (which was crustier at the time) so I paid a dollar for it. It appears that someone had been using it as an ash receiver. I am not in particular love with the piece but it is marked as Wilcox Silver Plate and I have a soft spot for that maker.  It is Wilcox after the formation of the International Silver Co. I know that because it is also marked International Silver Co.

It should polish up nicely and perhaps I will use it for something outside the kitchen. It is a weird shape for table service and I have plenty of pieces for that. Today I was reading about pin receivers and shirt button receivers so it may go towards that purpose. I had not done much reading on "silver novelties" or dressing table silver until recently and a couple of weeks ago I passed up a hair receiver that I am sort of kicking myself for not picking up when I had the chance. But there is always another time.

Dragon Pitcher, Simpson Hall and Miller, Pride of the Collection

 

This silverplate pitcher is part of the pride of the collection. It has an inside spout shield, incised decorations and the figure of a dragon on top. The dragon is not quite the Welsh dragon but is close enough as far as Victorian silverplate goes for my taste. If it is not a dragon it might be described as a sphinx though it is defiantly not an Egyptian sphinx.  Its tail is a swirly scaled affair almost like a sea monster but there is no other sign of sea life on the pitcher so I think this can be dismissed. The scroll work on the side and the shape of the handle add a Persian influence, perhaps Assyrian. Look at the handle, the scroll work, shape and proportion recall the ancient world.  I have not yet found this piece in a catalogue but I hope to soon.  

It is from Simpson, Hall and Miller, also known as Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co.  from Wallingford Connecticut. They were founded in 1866.  By 1895 they were manufacturing sterling. They also had the contract to manufacture the Eagle Wm rogers Star Brand flatware. In 1898 they were a founding member of the International Silver Company. When they joined international, they focused mainly on sterling becoming the center of the International Silver Companies sterling production. This means their mark was used well beyond 1898 for sterling ware. Silver plate was left to to other companies, Derby, Wilcox, Meriden Britannia Company.

Above we see some of the marks used by Simpson, Hall, Miller and Co. This is not exhaustive of the marks that they used. The pitcher uses a mark of the name Simpson, Hall, Miller and Co. above a rectangle that reads quadruple plate with Wallingford Connecticut below. Another common mark are the initials seen above S H M &Co. and for sterling the S in a shield with a helmet.

!847 Rogers Brothers Charter Oak Advertisment. Perason's 1907

A New Pattern
in a Famous Brand

CHARTER OAK is the name of the newest
pattern in" 11.17 ROGERS DROS." " Silver Plate
that Wears." Particularly appropriate is this
name for the pattern brought out in the 6oth
anniversary year of the original Rogers
Brothers ware, which was first made iu 1847
in Hartford, the home of the Charter Oak. "1847 Rogers Bros:

knives, spoons, forks, etc., enjoy the distinc-
tion of being the best in silver plate. The
Charter Oak pattern is noteworthy in
the richness and finish of the design,
which is a combination of Bright and
French Gray, giving to the various pieces
an unusual degree of beauty anil charac-
ter. Send for Catalogue " J-38 " show.-
ing this and the other leading patterns.

MERIDEN BRITANNIA CO., Meriden, Conn.

(International Silver Co., Successor.)

Advertisment for the Charter Oak Pattern From 1847 Rogers Brothers

This is an advertisement found in Pearson's Magazine 1907. It features the Charter Oak pattern and Ralston Health Food. It does give a brief reason why Charter Oak is named Charter Oak. 

Another advertisment from 1847 Rogers Brothers Featuring the Charter Oak Pattern

This advertisement shows some of the more unusual serving pieces in the very popular Charter Oak pattern.  What is nice about an advertisement like this is that it shows both the pattern pieces and the general shape of pieces that would have been copied by the International Silver company into other patterns. Shown are serving ware such as an oyster fork, child's sets, orange spoons, cucumber server, berry spoon, cold meant fork, ice cream fork, and pickle fork. For standard serving flatware check this post.


"The "Charter Oak" pattern, illustrated above, has proved very popular since its introduction, last summer. The design, in which the acorn and oak leaf are employed effectively, is one of marked individuality and character. The finish is a combination of French Gray and bright, the ornamental part being gray and the tines, bowls and shields bright."

1847 Rogers Brothers Advertisment for the Charter Oak Pattern from 1907

 This is an advertisement made by the International Silver Company to promote their Charter Oak pattern. This is a very popular silverplate pattern and is highly sought after. While this advertisement only shows standard flatware pieces Charter Oak was made into a variety of interesting serving pieces. 

"The Charter Oak pattern, as will be seen by the illustration, possesses an unusual degree of character. The oak leaf and acorn are combined in a graceful design that lends itself readily to the somewhat unusual finish—a combination of Bright and French Grey. Even thus early it is evident that the Charter Oak is to be one of the most popular patterns. We make a full line. We should advise that orders be placed early in order to avoid delay.

Supplied to Retailers by all Leading Jobbers."

1847 Rogers Brothers Advertisment with Old Colony and Cromwell Patterns

This is an advertisement from House Beautiful in 1914. It contains examples of the Old Colony and Cromwell patterns. The makers listing is the International Silver Co. successors to the Meriden Britannia Co. which joined with other makers to form International in 1898. I do not know who the woman in the bonnet is but she appears quite often in advertisements for the1847 Rogers Bros. line of goods.

Clearing up the Rogers Confusion: Marks and Manufacturers

There are a number of makers of silver (both sterling and silverplate) that use the Rogers name. This post is an attempt to create a list, history, and database that will make this situation a little less confusing. I do not imagine that I will be able to get everything down in one go. This means that this post will probably be edited several times. If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment. If you are able to use any of this information please link to the page.

One of the first things to think about are the companies. Lots of companies used Rogers in their name.  These companies formed, merged, separated, folded and absorbed by each other.

The second thing to think about are the backstamps or marks. Many companies used marks with the name Rogers in it. Many of these marks ended up being owned by two major companies International Silver Company and Oneida. Before that many of these marks were owned by a variety of companies and were bought and sold through a variety of business cycles.  

List of Companies with Rogers in the name.


Joseph Rodgers and Sons

Place:  
     Sheffield England
Years:
     1682 - Present

Asa Rogers Jr. & Co.
     1832 - 1838
     Renamed from Rogers & Cole


Rogers & Britten
Place:
     West Stratford Connecticut
Years:    
     1880 - 1882
Mergers:
     Taken over by Holmes and Edwards

Rogers & Brothers
Rogers Brothers

Place:  
      Waterbury Connecticut
Year:  
     1847 - 1855
Founders:
     Asa Rogers
     Simeon Rogers
     Leroy S. White
     David B. Hamilton
Mergers and Notes:
     1855 Changed name to Rogers & Bros. Mfg. Co.
     Joined International Silver Company in 1898
     Marks used until 1976
 Marks:
     (Star) Rogers & Bro. A1
     R. & B.
     (Star) Rogers & Brothers, 12
     (Star) R & B
     Manor Plate

                                                       This marks is found on hollowware


Church and Rogers
Years:
      1825 - 1841
Founders:
     William Rogers and Joseph Church

Rogers Brothers Manufacturing Company
Rogers Bros. Mfg. Co.


Years:
     1853 - 1861
Founders:
     William Rogers
     Asa Rogers Jr.
     Simeon Rogers
Mergers:
     Merged with Rogers, Smith & Co. in 1861
     Part of International Silver company


C. Rogers & Brothers
Place:  
     Meriden Connecticut
Year:  
     1866 - 1903
Founders:
     Cephas B. Rogers
     Gilbert Rogers
     Wilbur F. Rogers
Mergers:
     Bought out by International Silver Co, in 1903
     Trademarks retired by International Silver Company

Rogers & Cole
Place:  
     New Britain Connecticut
Year:  
     1830 - 1832
Founders:
     Asa Rogers Jr.
     John A. Cole
     Coin Flatware

Rogers Cutlery Co.
Place:
     Hartford Connecticut
Years:
     1871 - 1879
Mergers:
     Merged with Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co. in 1879
     Merged with International Silver Company in 1898

F. B. Rogers Silver Company
Place:  
     Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts
Years:
     1883 - 1886 to present
Mergers:  
     Absorbed West Silver Company.

Moved to:  
     Taunton,  Massachusetts
     1886 - Present
     1955 Bought by National Silver Company
     Bought by J.C. Boardman in 1985

 Mark:

Frank W. Rogers
     Hartford, Connecticut
     1875 - ?
     Frank W. Rogers

Rogers & Hamilton Company
Place:  
     Waterbury, Connecticut
Years:  
     1886 - 1898
Mergers:
     Merged with International Silver Company 1898
Founders:  
     Charles Alfred Hamilton
     William H. Rogers - Cigar dealer hired and made secretary so the Rogers name could be used.

Henry Rogers, Sons & Co.
     Montreal Canada
     1909 - 1915

H.O. Rogers Silver Co.
Place:
      Taunton, Massachusetts
Years:
      Dates unknown

J. Rogers Silver Co., Inc.
     Little known

Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen Co.
     Greenfield, Massachusetts
Mark:

Rogers & Mead
Place:  
     Hartford Connecticut
Years:
     1845 - 1846
Founders:
     William Rogers
     Asa Rogers
     J.O. Meade

Rogers Park Silverware Co.
Place:  
     Chicago Illinois
Place:
     ? - 1895

Rogers Silverplate Co.
Place:  
     Danbury, Connecticut
Years:
     1869 - 1922 - Early 1950s
Founders:
     Nathaniel Burton Rogers
     Cephas B. Rogers
     Gilbert H. Rogers
Mergers:
     Relations to the C. Rogers & Brothers in Meriden Connecticut
     Purchased by Cephas B. Rogers II manufactured under Rogers name until 1950s.

Mark:

Simeon L. & George H. Rogers Co.
S.L. & G. H. Rogers Co.
S.L. & G. H. R. Co.
Place:  
     Hartford, Connecticut
Years:
     1900 - 1929
Mergers:
     Absorbed by Wm. A. Rogers Ltd. in 1918
     Absorbed by Oneida in 1929
     Marks used by Oneida

Marks:

Rogers, Smith & Co. -There are Two of these! (but they are related and end up in the same place)

Rogers,Smith & Co. 
Meriden Connecticut

Founded:
January 1, 1857

Manufactured:
Holloware
Flatware

Founders
William Rogers Sr.
George W. Smith

Mergers:
August 12 1862 with Rogers Bros. Mfg. Co.

August 12, 1862 their flatware division was sold to the Meriden Britannia Co.
The Rogers left to work with them.

Edward Mitchell of the Rogers, Smith and Co. bought the hollowware division.


Rogers, Smith & Co.
New Haven Connecticut

Founded:
November 6, 1862

Manufactured:
Holloware

Founder:
Edward Mitchell

Mergers:
January 13, 1863 bought by Meriden Britannia Co.
Continued in New haven using Rogers, Smith & Co. marks
June 1865 plating shop moved to Meriden Connecticut - Marks will read Meriden
Move completed by January 1, 1866
All facilities incorporated into Meriden Britannia Company by 1877

By 1898 when the International Silver Company was formed it was a trademark owned by the Meriden Britannia Company but had ceases to produce as a division.

Rogers & Spurr Mfg. Co.
Place:  
     Greenfield Massachusetts
Year:
     1879 - ?    
Founders:
     David C. Rogers
     George F. Rogers
     George W. Spurr
     L.C. Pratt

Product:
     Made flatware
Mergers:
     Took over George W. Spurr & Co. 1873 - 1879
Marks:
     Mark reads: Rogers & Sons Greenfield, Mass

Wm. A. Rogers, Ltd.
      This is a big one that will take some time as well.

Mark:

William Rogers & Co.
 Years:  
     1841 - 1855
Made:
     Coin silver
Mergers:
     Became Rogers Bro. Mfg Co.
Mark:     
   (eagle) Wm. Rogers & Co. (Star)
   Mark taken over by Simpson, Hall, Miller & Co.
   This is then taken over by the International Silver Company








William Rogers Jr.
     Also a big name that will take some time.

William Rogers Mfg. Co.
     Hartford Connecticut
     1865 - 1898
     William Rogers
     William Rogers Jr.
     Thomas Birch
     1898 merged into International Silver Company
     Marks continued use in International Silver Company
     Became a division of International Silver Company

Marks:
     Anchor Rogers
     (Anchor) Rogers (Anchor)
     1846 (Anchor) Rogers (Anchor) AA
     1865 Wm Rogers Mfg. Co.
     Wm Rogers & Son
     R.C. Co.
     Rogers Nickel Silver
     (Anchor) W. R. & S.
     Rogers Cutlery Co.
     Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co. Hartford Conn.
     Rogers Brand Silver Plated Ware
     Cunningham Silver Plate (for Ocean Spray cranberry sauce premium)
     (anchor) Rogers (anchor) XII

Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co. Ltd.
     Niagara Falls, Ontario
     ? - 1905
     Bought by Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co. in 1905 a division of International Silver Company 

Wm. G. Rogers
     1901 - 1915
     Flatware
    
William H. Rogers


Place:
     Hartford, Connecticut
Year:
     1888 - 1915
Mark:
     (Sword) Rogers A1

William H. Rogers Corporation
Place:
     Plainfield New Jersey
Years:
     1901 - 1904
    
Rogers, Wendt & Wilkinson

Place:  
     New York New York
Year:
     January 1860 -  August 1860 
Founder:
     John R. Wendt

Little Bowl from E.G. Webster and Son

I picked up this little guy two weeks ago on Saturday. I it was four dollars. Not to bad for a repousse piece. Really tarnished silver is often priced super low because it seems to be "ruined" and often it is. This piece was ignored by the "pricers" of the estate sale and I benefited.  It was black as night and I finally got polished on Friday. That's right, an exciting Friday night polishing silver. 

this piece was made by E.G. Webster & Son N.Y. and its number is 440. It is pretty small, but the details are amazing.  In between the flowers and the scrolls are textured surfaces that have been chased. The feet are cast and soldered. This according to Hagan is a sign of quality work. I had not noticed it when I picked it up, but in the polishing, the handles are little sea creatures. This does not quite fit with the floral motif that the rest of the decorations reflect but I am a big fan of weird stuff like that. Perhaps, that's why I find colonial styles of silver to be so boring. There is a tiny amount of pitting in the bowl, but it really is so minor that I think for a piece its age it is forgivable. 

So let us consult Rainwater and see if we can find a bit about E.G. Webster. They were formed in Brooklyn New York in 1859. They have had three names:

Webster Mfg. Co. 1859 - 1873

E.G. Webster & Bros. 1873 - 1886

E.G. Webster & Son 1886 - 1928

in 1928 the son ( Fred H. Webster that formed the Son in the mark) sold the business to the International Silver Company. The factories were moved from Brooklyn to Meriden.  Rainwater states that they were well known for their "highly chased holloware and English reproductions". The webster trademark was used until 1961 when it was changed to Webster-Wilcox. This continued until 1981. At this time it was sold to Oneida.

International Silver Company Advertisements 1903

These are from the Home Furnishing Review. The nice thing about these advertisements is the listing of marks and factory designations.

The conservative advocate: a book of biographies of Connecticut's successful men, with essays on conservatism by well known writers

This is a 1909 article that covers the International Silver Company and its many "brands". It also covers men of industry that worked for and about the company. It was written by E.L. Chadwick or Earl Leslie Chadwick. 

McClure's Magazine November 1915

McClure's magazine 1915 advertisement for 1847 Rogers Brothers of International Silver Company. Patterns shown are Cromwell, Continental and Old Colony.

Book Review: Victorian Silverplated Holloware 1857, 1887, 1883

Victorian Silverplated Holloware:  
Tea Services, caster sets, ice water pitchers, card receivers, napkin rings, knife rest, toilet sets, goblets, cups, trays and waiters, epergnes, butter dishes, pickle casters, salts, tureens, communion services
Rogers Brothers Mfg. Co., 1857
Meriden Britannia Co., 1867
Derby Silver Co., 1883

1972
Wallace-Homestead Book Co.
Des Moines, Iowa

ISBN #0-87069-154-6

This is a fantastic book with a ridiculously long title and no clear single author. It consist of catalouge material (those found in the title) provided by the Historical Library of the International Silver Company (INSILCO) and assisted by the resident historian E. P. Hogan.  The introduction (pages 1-15) provide a brief overview of silver history and silver plate manufacturing in the United States. The authors then provide a brief reading list.

Chapter1

The first of three chapters covers the Rogers Brothers Mfg. Co.. Pages 17-18 are a short history of the company. Pages 19-38 are a reproduction of their catalogue from 1857. If you are attempting to learn period styles this is a very useful resource. If you are attempting to identify pieces, it might be possible to find your piece here, however, it would be pure luck if you came across it.

Rogers Brothers Mfg. Co. officially formed in 1853 from its beginnings as the William Rogers and Company. William Rogers being the oldest of the brothers. In 1847 William Rogers and Company first advertised that they could supply plated flatware on German silver. The catalogue reproduced here was created by Sarony, Major, and Knapp and was printed in two colours. It is essentialy line drawings of the line of wares avaliable. In 1862 the Rogers and Brothers Mfg. Co. was adsorbed into the Meriden Britannia Company.

Chapter 2

Chapter two is a paragraph covering the Meriden Britannia Company then the partial reproduction of their 1867 (138 page) catalouge Heavily Electro Plated Nickel Silver and White Metal Goods. This catalouge appears to be their first and started a trend of production that would lead to the massive 1886 catalogue of over 400 pages.  If you wish to see Victorian silverplate in its varied and interesting forms then this chapter is crucial to expanding your understanding. The variety of the goods and the clarity of the woodcuts are fascinating.

Chapter 3

Chapter three reprints part of the Derby Silver Company catalogue of 1883. Both Derby and Meriden would be founding members of the International Silver Company in 1898. The authors make the argument that comparison of the Derby and Meriden Britannia catalogue shows that Derby's designers "lacked something of the suavity and sophistication of those employed at Meriden" (page, 105) But they fail to realize that the catalogues are sixteen years apart and the market, styles and economics had changed for silverplate in that time. They do mention that this catalogue showed a shift towards oriental themes being popular in silver. I own several pieces of Derby, and find it to be rather pleasing. Furthermore, as a less popular maker it helps to make Victorian and post Victorian silverplate affordable for a collector in my price range.  In fact I have my eye on a couple of Derby art nouveau candlesticks downtown.

Of all three catalogues published here the Derby catalogue has the most interesting and  greatest variety of goods.

This book provides a minimum of original historical research, but as a text containing examples in a format that allows a longitudinal historical comparison it is fantastic. This is a text that lends itself to original research.  This fills an important niche in silver research. The price of original catalogues is astronomical,  further most catalogues held by libraries are only viewable if you happen to visit. Books like this one fill an important area for the silver enthusiast. this book itself is becoming a bit rarer. I had to borrow my copy from the Iowa State University Library. But it is available from time to time at the usual online book retailers.

The Derby Factory

 

The Meriden Name Problem

Meriden Connecticut was center of silver and silver plate manufacturing. There were a few companies with Meriden in their name and I thought a short list might be useful to understanding the difference between them. (Similar names is an issue that has often been a source of confusion to me don't even get me started on flatware manufacturers)  The formation of the International Silver Company helped to consolidate these companies but it still used a variety of marks from the companies that formed it to indicate levels of quality.

A Few Facts (these will be on the test): The Meriden Silver Plate Co.

1. The Meriden Silver Plate Co. Was started in 1869.

2. It's factories were in Meriden Connecticut.

3. It helped form the International Silver Company in 1898.

4. It is not the same company as the Meriden Britannia Company.

5. Marks used into the 1930's.

6. Marks read: The Meriden Silver Plate Co., The Meriden S.P.Co., International S.Co., Eureka Silver Co.,   

A Few More Facts:  The Meriden Britannia Company

1. Started in 1852.

2.  First formed for creating Britannia (white metal) Hollowware.

3.  Offering plated ware by 1855

4.  In 1862 joined by the Rogers Brothers. (who used the 1847 Rogers Brothers mark from Hartford)    -the mess of "Rogerses" is something we will seek to unravel later.

5.  Had London and Canadian Branches.

6. Had sales offices in New York, Chicago, and San Fransisco.

7. 1898 - One of the founding members, and leading organizers of the International Silver Company.

8. The Meriden Britannia Company's marks were used until the 1930's.

9. Marks read Meriden B. Company, Sillimans Silver Ring, M.B. Co, M B C E P (in shields)

You can make a comparison of  the Meridian Britannia Company and the Meriden Silver Plate Co. marks at two wonderful sites.

First is the site 925-1000, they have an awesome list of marks, and a great library.

You can view it here.

Second is The Online Encyclopedia of American Silver Marks. This site is also a great resource for the collector.


You can view it here.

One More Meriden: Meriden Britannia Co. LTD.

1. Located in Hamilton Ontario.

2. Founded in 1879.

3. Canadian branch of Meriden Britannia Company.

4. Produced flatware (1847 Rogers, sterling)

5. Merged with International Silver Co. of Canada ~ 1912

Another Company: Meriden Cutlery Company

1. Early founding  - 1834

2. Started by  G. and D.N. Ropes (cutlery manufacturers) in Maine.

3. Business acquired by Julius Pratt & Co. of Meriden

4. 1845 merger creates Pratt, Ropes, Webb & Co. -located in Hanover Connecticut

5. 1855 Joint stock company Meriden Cutlery Company formed located in South Meriden Connecticut.

6. 1866 Purchased by Landers, Fray and Clarke.

7.  Landers, Fray and Clarke out of business in the 1960's

8. Made table cutlery, carving sets,  pearl handled cutlery, carving knives with sterling silver blades, some sterling

9. A January 2, 1891 Advertisement list their "Patented Celluloid Handle"

You can view this advert here.


The New Your Times had this to say about the Company in 1877.

Sale of American Cutlery

February 14, 1877, Wednesday

"The first public sale of cutlery under the auspices of the Table Cutlery Manufacturers' Association of the United States comprising the Beaver Falls Cutlery Company, Landers, Frary Clark, John Russel Cutlery Company, Meriden Cutlery Company, Chicago Cutlery Manufacturing Company, and Lamson Goodnow Manufacturing Company was begun yesterday."

You can read the whole article in .pdf here.

Two Final Meridens

1. Meriden Jly Co. or Meriden Jewelry Co.

2. Meriden Sterling Co. 1896-1904

The work A Historical Record and Pictorial Description of the Town of Meriden, The Town of Meriden Connecticut "The Silver City" (1906) By Charles Bancroft Gillespie, George Munsor Curtis covers the history of manufacturers in Meriden. Large sections of the book focus on the International Silver Company and covers at length both the Meriden Britannia Company and the Meriden Silver Plate Co. as well as other silver companies. It also gives the general history of the town on Meriden. This is an invaluable resource.

Another Refrence from the New York Times Archives

August 29, 1915

"GEORGE M. CURTIS DEAD.; Prominent Meriden Business Man and Banker Was 58."

This obituary is for Mr. George M. Curtis the former director of the International Silver Company and the Meriden Britannia Company. The obituary is a short and interesting read. It highlights his service in the community, the organizations he belonged to and his many directorships and companies.

You can download it as a .pdf here.