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Reed & Barton is one of the most iconic names in American silverware. Known for its detailed craftsmanship and extensive product lines—ranging from flatware and serving pieces to decorative items and commemorative editions—the company left behind a wide array of silver products, many of which remain in circulation today.
But whether you’ve inherited a piece, found one secondhand, or are simply curious about something in your collection, identifying Reed and Barton silver marks is the first and most important step in determining what you have. These marks can reveal the material, authenticity, production era, and sometimes even the specific pattern or product line.
Silver marks are essentially the manufacturer’s fingerprints. Stamped directly into the metal—often on the underside or back—they indicate the maker, the silver content (if any), and other production-related details. For collectors and sellers alike, these markings are crucial in verifying whether a piece is sterling silver, silverplate, or something else entirely.
With Reed & Barton, silver marks tend to be cleanly stamped and relatively easy to read. However, understanding what each mark means—and knowing what to look for—can take a bit of practice.
The most important distinction to make is whether your Reed & Barton piece is sterling silver or silverplate. This will significantly impact both value and collectibility.
Sterling items will almost always be marked with the word “STERLING” or the number “925,” indicating 92.5% pure silver. These marks are straightforward and appear alongside the company’s name, usually engraved in a block or script font.
In contrast, silverplated items will often omit the word “sterling” altogether. Instead, you may see markings such as “Reed & Barton 1800” or “E.P.N.S.” (Electroplated Nickel Silver). These designations confirm that the item is silverplate—meaning it has a thin layer of silver over a base metal core.
Some items also include date marks—small letters, numbers, or symbols—used internally by the company to indicate year of manufacture. These can vary in format, but Reed & Barton did maintain a system during the mid-20th century that included symbols like stars, bells, and other icons. Identifying the symbol can help you place a piece within a specific decade, particularly for post-1920s production.
Occasionally, you’ll find additional stamps that include a pattern name or production code. These identifiers aren’t always easy to interpret without a reference guide, but they can be extremely helpful in pinpointing the exact product line—especially for pieces in well-known patterns like Francis I, Harlequin, or Tara.
It’s also worth noting that tarnish alone isn’t a sign of sterling. Both silverplate and sterling can oxidize over time. The true telltale sign is the presence—or absence—of the correct stamp.
If your item lacks any mark indicating silver content and only says “Reed & Barton,” it’s safest to assume it is silverplated, unless otherwise tested.
If you're still unsure whether a piece is sterling or plated, a few additional steps can help:
Start by using a magnifying glass to carefully examine all visible marks. Often, smaller text or lightly stamped symbols may be hiding in plain sight. If you find “STERLING” or “925,” the piece is solid silver.
When no silver content mark is visible, and the item only includes a pattern number or model code, it’s most likely plated. In this case, weight and color tone can sometimes provide additional clues, though they're not foolproof indicators.
For more definitive answers, professional testing (often done with acid or XRF machines at jewelry stores or pawn shops) can verify metal content. If your goal is resale or appraisal, getting confirmation may be worth the small investment.
Identifying Reed and Barton silver marks doesn’t require advanced expertise—but it does require a careful eye. Once you know what to look for—especially the presence or absence of the “STERLING” mark—you’ll be able to confidently determine whether a piece is solid silver or plated.
Understanding these marks helps preserve history, assess value, and ensure accurate listings if you plan to sell. Whether you're a casual collector, a reseller, or simply curious about what’s in your silver drawer, recognizing these key identifiers is an essential skill in navigating the world of American silverware.
