Reed & Barton U.S. Navy Military Issue Silver Soldered Oval Serving Platter
Hollowware (Serving Platter) · Reed & Barton of Taunton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1824, they became one of the primary suppliers of high-durability silver-plated hollowware for institutional use, including the U.S. Navy and luxury hotels.
Pattern: U.S. Navy Contract Pattern 3610. This is a functional, streamlined military-spec design without a commercial pattern name, produced specifically for naval officer mess halls.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Platter)
Maker
Reed & Barton of Taunton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1824, they became one of the primary suppliers of high-durability silver-plated hollowware for institutional use, including the U.S. Navy and luxury hotels.
Material
Silver Soldered (Silver Plate). This is a heavy-duty electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) where the silver layer is applied over a base metal (typically nickel, copper, and zinc) using silver-intensive soldering for joints to survive rigorous commercial and military use.
Dimensions
Length: 10 inches nominal (indicated by the '10 IN' stamp). Weight is substantial due to the heavy gauge base metal required for military durability, likely 400-600 grams.
Description
This is a rugged yet elegant piece of American naval history. Built by Reed & Barton, this silver-soldered oval platter served in the officer's mess of a U.S. Navy vessel. Unlike thin decorative silver plate, this 'silver soldered' item was engineered to withstand the harsh environment of a ship's galley while maintaining the prestige required for military dining traditions.
Key Features
Bold U.S.N. stamp; Reed & Barton manufacturer mark; 'Silver Soldered' durability designation; 10-inch size indicator; streamlined mid-century industrial profile.
Material & Composition
Silver Soldered (Silver Plate). This is a heavy-duty electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) where the silver layer is applied over a base metal (typically nickel, copper, and zinc) using silver-intensive soldering for joints to survive rigorous commercial and military use.
Finish & Decoration
High-polished mirror finish with no decorative ornamentation; utilitarian aesthetic. The decoration is limited to the functional U.S.N. block-letter engraving which denotes its official government property status.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'REED & BARTON / SILVER SOLDERED / 3610 / 10 IN / U.S.N.' It also features a small date mark (an eagle/bird symbol) which Reed & Barton used to categorize production years.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck heavy gauge sheet metal with silver-soldered rim reinforcements. Designed for extreme durability and resistance to warping under high-heat commercial dishwashers.
Functional Features
Raised rim to contain juices or gravies; deep oval well. The '10 IN' designation indicates it was likely an individual serving platter or a small shared side dish platter.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated smooth rim handle/grip, cast or stamped as part of the body, allowing for secure transport in swaying sea conditions.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial-grade craftsmanship. The piece lacks the delicate hand-chasing of sterling but excels in structural symmetry and heavy-duty plating thickness typical of Reed & Barton's contract work.
Authentication Indicators
The depth and font of the U.S.N. strike are consistent with known naval contracts. The Reed & Barton hallmarks are factory-correct for 'Silver Soldered' institutional lines rather than consumer sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Taunton, Massachusetts, USA. The factory was renowned for its 'Silver Soldered' line which was the industry standard for durability in American railroads and military branches.
Era & Period
Modern / World War II - Mid-Century Era. The U.S.N. block lettering and Reed & Barton date symbol are consistent with the mid-20th-century naval procurement standards.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1955. The specific date symbol (eagle/bird) and the style of the 'U.S.N.' stamp align with the peak years of Naval hollowware production during and shortly after WWII.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Officer and Gentleman' tradition of the U.S. Navy, where even in combat conditions, meals were served with formal silver-plated service to maintain morale and discipline.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Displays significant surface scratching (stacking marks) and cleaning swirls consistent with military service. There is a small dark spot of 'plate loss' or stubborn tarnish in the upper center. Grade: Very Good (Military Surplus).
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD. While the silver content is negligible, the value lies in 'Militaria' and 'Naval History' collecting. Demand for U.S.N. marked items remains steady among veterans and history buffs.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's to restore shine. Avoid 'silver dips' which can strip the remaining plate. Store with anti-tarnish strips.
Similar Pieces
International Silver Co. U.S.N. platters (slightly different stamps); Gorham 'Anchor' marked navy silver; and commercial 'Hotel Plate' which lacks the military 'U.S.N.' engraving.
Interesting Facts
Reed & Barton was a major contributor to the war effort; their silver-soldered wares were preferred because they did not chip like china when the ship rocked or vibrated during gunnery exercises.