Mid-Century Modernist Pewter or Silver-Plated Lidded Jar/Canister by Reed & Barton
Hollowware (Lidded Canister/Jar) · Reed & Barton, a premier American silversmith founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts, known for high-quality sterling and fine pewter/plated items.
Pattern: Modernist / Industrial Chic line, likely mid-20th century production; these circular forms were often part of professional or executive desk/bar sets.
Type
Hollowware (Lidded Canister/Jar)
Maker
Reed & Barton, a premier American silversmith founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts, known for high-quality sterling and fine pewter/plated items.
Material
Likely Pewter or Heavy Silver Plate over base metal. The matte, brushed appearance and lack of a distinct 'Sterling' stamp (replaced by a rectangular maker's cartouche) suggests a non-sterling composition.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 3.5 to 4 inches; height unknown from this angle. Weight is likely substantial, given the thick construction visible at the rim.
Description
This is a clean-lined, functional piece of American hollowware. Its aesthetic prioritizes the raw material and silhouette, reflecting a period where silver and pewter makers sought to compete with minimalist Scandinavian imports. It is a sturdy, masculine piece ideal for a contemporary interior.
Key Features
Large rectangular maker's block on the base, circular spun-metal construction, and a distinctive brushed satin finish that resists fingerprints.
Material & Composition
Likely Pewter or Heavy Silver Plate over base metal. The matte, brushed appearance and lack of a distinct 'Sterling' stamp (replaced by a rectangular maker's cartouche) suggests a non-sterling composition.
Finish & Decoration
Satin or brushed finish characterized by fine unidirectional abrasive lines. The style is strictly Modernist/Minimalist with no ornate engraving or chasing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A central rectangular cartouche is visible but heavily blurred/worn. It likely contains the Reed & Barton name along with a model number (e.g., 500 series) and potentially the 'Pewter' or 'EPNS' designation.
Construction Details
Spun or die-cast body with machine-finished surfaces. The precise circular shape and uniform brushed texture indicate industrial manufacturing processes.
Functional Features
Flat-bottomed for stability; appears to have a slight flange or lip for a pressure-fit lid (lid not fully visible in focus).
Handle & Grip Details
No handles present on this cylindrical form; the grip is provided by the diameter of the canister body itself.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-made precision. The quality is found in the uniformity of the wall thickness and the perfectly centered application of the maker's mark.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the rectangular Reed & Barton branding block on a satin-finished circular base is highly consistent with their mid-century pewter and plate catalogs.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA, Taunton, Massachusetts. Reed & Barton’s factory was a pioneer in merging traditional craftsmanship with modern assembly methods.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1950-1970). The emphasis on form and texture over ornamentation is emblematic of Post-War American design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the brushed finish and the specific format of the manufacturer's mark.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from ornate Victorian silver to the utilitarian elegance of the 20th-century American office and home bar.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. The surface shows significant micro-scratching and 'flea bite' nicks consistent with age and heavy use. There is evidence of tarnish or metal fatigue near the blurred stamp area.
Value Estimate
$25 - $65 USD. Value is limited by the blurred condition of the hallmarks and the high-production nature of plated/pewter modernist wares.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. If pewter, avoid silver dips; use a dedicated pewter wash or a microfiber cloth to maintain the satin finish without adding unwanted shine.
Similar Pieces
International Silver 'Royal Danish' (highly decorated), or similar modernist pieces by Wilton Armetale which use a more rustic sand-cast look.
Interesting Facts
Reed & Barton was selected to design the medals for the 1996 Summer Olympics, showcasing their enduring reputation for precision metalwork beyond just dining table sets.