Mid-Century Modern Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Fluted Coffee Pot
Tea/Coffee Service (Coffee Pot) · Reed & Barton, Taunton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1824, they were a premier American manufacturer known for excellence in both sterling and fine silver plate.
Pattern: Modern Flute / Contemporary Ribbed (Mid-Century Modern style), likely introduced c. 1950-1960. Currently discontinued.
Type
Tea/Coffee Service (Coffee Pot)
Maker
Reed & Barton, Taunton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1824, they were a premier American manufacturer known for excellence in both sterling and fine silver plate.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). This is solid silver, not plated, as indicated by the finish and tone.
Dimensions
Standard coffee pot height is approximately 9-11 inches. Estimated weight: 600-900 grams (19-29 troy oz).
Description
This sterling silver coffee pot exemplifies the sleek elegance of Mid-Century American silver. Its body is defined by crisp, vertical fluting that catches the light in a rhythmic pattern, creating a sense of height and sophistication. It represents the transition from traditional 'Francis I' styles to a more cosmopolitan, architectural aesthetic preferred by modern hostesses.
Key Features
Deep vertical scalloped ribs, mirror-like reflectivity, and the substantial weight typical of Reed & Barton sterling hollowware.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). This is solid silver, not plated, as indicated by the finish and tone.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with vertical fluting/ribbing. The design is minimalist, relying on the 'play of light' across the concave and convex vertical channels.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the underside: 'Reed & Barton', 'Sterling', and a date symbol (e.g., a bird, umbrella, or arrow) specific to the year of manufacture.
Construction Details
Spun or raised body with applied machine-pressed fluted panels; hand-finished seams and polished to a high luster.
Functional Features
Includes a hinged lid with a finial, a curved pouring spout, and likely heat insulators in the handle to prevent thermal transfer.
Handle & Grip Details
Silver handle, likely C-shaped or angular, attached via soldered silver ferrules. May contain small ivory or plastic insulators.
Craftsmanship Details
Exhibits excellent machine-assisted hand finishing; the alignment of the vertical flutes requires precise die-striking and exacting polishing to avoid 'softening' the edges.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the fluted edges and the quality of the 'specular reflection' (the way the light reflects in the silver) are consistent with genuine sterling silver craftsmanship.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA, Taunton, Massachusetts. Reed & Barton’s factory was a cornerstone of American industrial silver production.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (MCM), c. 1945-1970. This period emphasized clean lines, geometric repetition, and a move away from floral Victorian ornamentation.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the specific vertical fluting style common in American post-war design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Gourmet' era of the 1950s and 60s when high-end sterling tea sets remained a staple of upper-class American wedding registries and social entertaining.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The image shows some micro-scratching (swirl marks) and light surface tarnish. No visible deep dents or structural compromises in the fluted areas shown.
Value Estimate
$800 - $1,400 USD depending on the specific weight and the presence of a matching creamer/sugar set.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with Wright's Silver Cream using a soft sponge. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach into the vertical grooves where tarnish often hides. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Hampton' pattern or Gorham 'Celeste'—both feature similar vertical lines but vary in rib depth and handle design.
Interesting Facts
Reed & Barton was chosen to design the medals for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, highlighting their prestige in American metalworking.