Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Vermeil 'The Praying Child' Christmas Ornament
Decorative Object (Christmas Ornament) · Reed & Barton, founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. A premier American silversmith known for high-quality hollowware and silver plate, historically rivaling Tiffany and Gorham.
Pattern: Christmas Ornament Collection; specifically the 'Praying Child' or 'Child at Prayer' series. Many were issued annually or as part of limited holiday releases.
Type
Decorative Object (Christmas Ornament)
Maker
Reed & Barton, founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. A premier American silversmith known for high-quality hollowware and silver plate, historically rivaling Tiffany and Gorham.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with high-karat gold plating (Vermeil). Base is pure sterling silver, evidenced by the characteristic warmth under the gold wash.
Dimensions
Standard ornament size: approximately 3 inches in height and 2 inches in width. Weight is typically between 15 and 25 grams of sterling silver including the gold wash.
Description
A charming and sentimental holiday collectible, this Reed & Barton ornament depicts a child in prayer with a high-relief textured finish. Rendered in sterling silver and bathed in rich gold vermeil, the piece combines religious iconography with the mid-century American tradition of annual silver ornaments. It features a cross-like silhouette with a horizontal bar supporting the central figure, finished with a sturdy gold-toned hanging loop.
Key Features
High-relief texture on the child's hair and clothing; floral stamped patterns on the nightgown; distinct vermeil finish; iconic 'kneeling' silhouette associated with traditional Americana Christmas decor.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with high-karat gold plating (Vermeil). Base is pure sterling silver, evidenced by the characteristic warmth under the gold wash.
Finish & Decoration
Vermeil (Gold-washed) finish. Features a textured, cast design depicting a kneeling child in profile. The child's dress is decorated with stamped or cast floral/star motifs. Reverse typically has a high-polish finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped on the reverse or the bottom edge with 'REED & BARTON', 'STERLING', and often a year or specific design mark. The gold plating may obscure light strikes.
Construction Details
Cast sterling silver. The figure is likely die-struck or cast into a mold to create the relief detail, then finished with gold electroplating. The horizontal bar and hanging loop are soldered components.
Functional Features
Includes a top-mounted jump ring and a vertical hanging loop for a ribbon or hook. The horizontal cross-bar serves to stabilize the piece and adds to the iconographic silhouette.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; features a simple circular jump ring for suspension from a Christmas tree branch or ornament stand.
Craftsmanship Details
A combination of industrial die-casting and manual finishing. The detail in the textured hair demonstrates high-quality mold making typical of American industrial silver production in the late 20th century.
Authentication Indicators
Consistency of the casting quality with Reed & Barton's mass-market holiday lines; standard hallmark typeface on the reverse; typical weight and 'ping' of sterling silver under the plating.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; manufactured in the Taunton, Massachusetts factory during its peak years of holiday collectible production.
Era & Period
Modern Era (late 20th century). Part of the 1970s-1990s boom in silver holiday collectibles produced by major American silver firms like Reed & Barton and Gorham.
Age Estimate
Circa 1975–1985. The stylistic depiction of the child and the specific matte-gold vermeil finish are highly characteristic of early Reed & Barton holiday series.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII American tradition of high-end department store holiday shopping and the culture of collecting 'annual' silver pieces to mark family milestones.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The vermeil appears largely intact with minor surface wear. No visible bending of the horizontal bar. Typical light scratches for a pre-owned holiday item. Level of tarnish is low due to the gold protection.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD depending on current silver spot prices and original box inclusion. Secondary market interest is highest during the holiday quarter.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid aggressive silver dips which will strip the vermeil gold plating. Clean only with warm soapy water and a soft microfiber cloth. Store in acid-free tissue or a Pacific Silvercloth pouch.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Starlight' Snowflakes, Wallace Candy Cane series, or other Reed & Barton 'Christmas Cross' ornaments. Unlike the crosses, this figural piece is more niche and sentimental.
Interesting Facts
Reed & Barton was remarkably famous for its annual 'Burgundy' pattern and their Christmas cross series, which debuted in 1971. These ornaments often became family heirlooms, collected year by year.