Reed & Barton 'Windsor' Pattern Silverplated Hollowware Piece (No. 264)
Hollowware (likely a small pedestal bowl, compote, or bonbon dish) · Reed & Barton, one of America's most prestigious silversmiths founded in 1824 in Taunton, Mass.; known for craftsmanship and being a supplier to the White House.
Pattern: 'Windsor' pattern, specific mold number 264, characterized by classic lines and stepped bases.
Type
Hollowware (likely a small pedestal bowl, compote, or bonbon dish)
Maker
Reed & Barton, one of America's most prestigious silversmiths founded in 1824 in Taunton, Mass.; known for craftsmanship and being a supplier to the White House.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a non-ferrous nickel-copper alloy plated with a layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Estimated 5-7 inches in diameter; weight is likely substantial due to the dense nickel silver base metal used for hotel-grade quality.
Description
This piece represents the high-quality silverplate production of Reed & Barton. It features a sophisticated hammered texture that catches light at various angles, paired with the robust durability of their commercial-grade plating.
Key Features
The 'Eagle-R-Lion' trademark and the catalog number 264. The textured hammered finish is a signature mid-century design choice meant to hide scratches.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a non-ferrous nickel-copper alloy plated with a layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with a distinctive hammered ('Martelé') style texture visible on the basin; lacks heavy ornate engraving common in earlier Victorian pieces.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Eagle, Shield with 'R', and Lion (Reed & Barton logo); 'REED & BARTON' arch stamp; pattern number '264'. The absence of a 'Sterling' mark confirms it is silverplate.
Construction Details
Machine-spun body with a die-stamped base, typical of mid-20th-century production; features a rolled or applied rim for structural strength.
Functional Features
Single-piece or low-pedestal vessel designed for table service, likely for candy, nuts, or small condiments.
Handle & Grip Details
No handles currenty visible in the detail view; the central recess suggests a centered pedestal base or simple footed bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial-scale production with high-quality control; the hammered effect is likely machine-pressed rather than hand-wrought but executed with high precision.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Reed & Barton stamps are crisp and correctly aligned; wear patterns are consistent with frequent use and over-polishing of a plated piece.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Taunton, Massachusetts, USA, at the main Reed & Barton industrial factory site.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War Era (c. 1940-1960); the aesthetic reflects the transition from Art Deco to modern simplicity.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1955, based on the specific style of the Reed & Barton maker's stamp and the '264' pattern numbering system.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in American homes after WWII, where silverplated goods provided the 'Sterling look' for middle-class entertaining.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good; there is evidence of 'plate wear' in the golden/brassy hue showing through the center, called 'bleeding', where the silver has worn away.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD depending on size and how much of the underlying base metal is exposed.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. Use a non-abrasive cream like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid dips, which can strip the remaining thin silver layer.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Strasbourg' or Wallace 'Grand Baroque' plated hollowware; often confused with sterling until the base stamp is inspected.
Interesting Facts
Reed & Barton was chosen to design and produce the gold, silver, and bronze medals for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.