The Reed & Barton Sterling mark appears on solid silver pieces made by Reed & Barton, a major American silver manufacturer established in 1824. The inclusion of "Sterling" signifies the item is made from 92.5% pure silver, the standard for fine sterling silver. This mark is most commonly found on flatware and hollowware and is a guarantee of both material quality and the refined craftsmanship for which the brand is known. It’s a clear indicator of collectible and enduring silver value.