Pre 1868 Reed and Barton pre Barton?

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Hello all,

History readily available on the internet doesn’t seem to provide much information about Mr. Reed nor Mr. Barton prior to them going into business together. I live on an island in the Pacific Northwest with a small library that’s unlikely to have much in the way of information on silversmiths 3000 mi away and 200 years in the past.

I have a tea set that is stamped Reed Silver Co. Taunton. No mention of Mr. Barton. Perhaps he was a silent partner at first? Babbitt & Crossman are not mentioned either. The set has been in the family for generations in Pennsylvania and followed us West.

Pics attached showing set and the markings last which are identical on the 3 pieces.

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I’m leaning towards thinking this set is coin silver prior to 1868. I imagine the little insulators on the teapot handle are ivory?

I know how much fine silver has been lost to silver melt booms throughout the ages. It seems this was fortunate to survive.

Does anyone have any knowledge to share in regards to this seemingly unusual marking?

Any input or direction to resources is appreciated!

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Taunton pays a fond farewell to iconic silversmith Reed & Barton
R&B History: Company
The legacy of James Almeida, one of Taunton’s last silver chasers

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:face_with_monocle: :thinking:

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Here is an extract from Dorothy Rainwater’s “Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers” which explains all:

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I note that there is no mention of a sterling mark in your pictures or description; as it dates from after the introduction of sterling marks on American silver your tea set must therefore be electroplated.

Phil

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Thanks Phil,

That makes a lot of sense. Last night it dawned on me the marks were too uniform to be early pieces.

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