Modernist Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Oval Tray/Dish
Hollowware (Serving Tray or Dish) · Reed & Barton, founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. A premier American silversmith known for exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance in both sterling and fine silverplate.
Pattern: Likely part of the Mid-Century Modernist line, similar to 'The Diamond' or 'Dimension' series, introduced circa 1950s-1970s.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray or Dish)
Maker
Reed & Barton, founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. A premier American silversmith known for exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance in both sterling and fine silverplate.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction without base metal plating.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-14 inches in length; weight typically ranges between 15 and 25 troy ounces depending on exact gauge.
Description
A sleek, sophisticated example of American Modernism in precious metal. This Reed & Barton tray features a fluid, organic oval form that rejects the fussiness of earlier Victorian patterns in favor of clean lines and reflective surfaces.
Key Features
The distinctive soft-triangular or 'bowed' oval shape, the integrated rim, and the specific sans-serif/serif hybrid stamping characteristic of Reed & Barton's 20th-century output.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction without base metal plating.
Finish & Decoration
Satin or brushed finish on the underside with a mirror-polished interior. Minimalist aesthetic characteristic of the Mid-Century Modern period, focusing on form rather than applied ornament.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The image shows a faint 'REED & BARTON' stamp followed by 'STERLING'. To the left, the company's eagle-R-lion hallmark and possibly a date code (such as a small leaf or shield) are partially visible.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or spun with hand-finished edges. The smooth curvature suggests precision industrial manufacturing typical of mid-20th-century American production.
Functional Features
Wide, shallow basin suitable for serving hors d'oeuvres or as a decorative centerpiece. Note the lack of feet, designed to sit flush on a surface.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated rim handles formed by the extension of the oval shape. Solid sterling material with no separate attachments.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays excellent symmetry and a consistent edge thickness. The stamping is deep and even, indicating it was struck with a high-quality industrial die.
Authentication Indicators
The blurred hallmark shows the classic tripartite logo (Eagle, R, Lion), which is the standard identifier for Reed & Barton sterling. Wear patterns are consistent with a dining piece of this age.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Taunton, Massachusetts. Manufactured in the main Reed & Barton factory using high-standard American silver industrial techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1970). The era is indicated by the 'form follows function' design philosophy and streamlined, aerodynamic curves.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the style of the serif font used in the maker's stamp and the modernist curvature.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift in post-WWII American culture toward a more relaxed, modern lifestyle where silver was used for daily entertaining rather than just formal display.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant surface tarnish (sulfide buildup) and numerous light 'hairline' scratches. A small pit or 'ding' is visible near the hallmark. No structural cracks or deep gouges.
Value Estimate
$400 - $750 USD, depending heavily on weight and the success of a professional polish. Modernist pieces currently have high demand in metropolitan markets.
Care & Maintenance
Requires professional polishing with a high-quality cream like Wright's Silver Cream to remove the heavy tarnish. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Puritan' line or Georg Jensen 'Henning Koppel' designs. Gorham tends to be more traditional, while Jensen is more sculptural and significantly more expensive.
Interesting Facts
Reed & Barton was chosen to design and produce the gold, silver, and bronze medals for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.