Biggins Rodgers Silver Plate

 

 Q: I have a silverplated shaving mug that belonged to my great-grandfather. It has three handles and is marked “Biggins-Rodgers Co., Wallingford, Ct.” in a circle around a capital letter “D” and “Quadruple, 278, Patd. Jan. 18, 1910.” There is a brush rest on one handle, a marble insert, and a mirror inside the lid. Is it worth anything?

A: Biggins-Rodgers Co. was founded by Henry E Biggins and Frank L. Rodgers in Wallingford in 1894 and was in business until about 1915. The company made silver plate, sterling silver, and other metal items. Pieces marked “quadruple” are plated with eight troy ounces of silver, four times as much silver as standard silver plate. This 1910 patent was granted to John C. Dowd for his invention of a shaving mug with a mirror that served as the cover to the mug and could be pivoted and tilted into the desired position. Value is about $250.