Reed & Barton Tara Hall Pattern Silverplate Bowl, Model 1108
Hollowware (Serving Bowl/Dish) · Reed & Barton, established in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. One of America's most prestigious silversmithing firms, known for high-quality hollowware and flatware for over 190 years.
Pattern: Tara Hall, a classic mid-20th-century design series. Pattern code 1108. It is primarily a silverplate line intended for formal dining service.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Bowl/Dish)
Maker
Reed & Barton, established in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. One of America's most prestigious silversmithing firms, known for high-quality hollowware and flatware for over 190 years.
Material
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or EPNS). The image shows significant 'bleeding' where the silver layer has worn away to reveal the yellowish base metal underneath.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 8-10 inches based on the bowl curvature. Silverplate pieces are typically heavier than sterling counterparts due to the denser base metal composition.
Description
A classic example of Mid-Century American silverplate hollowware by Reed & Barton. This Tara Hall bowl features a wide, flared rim and a sturdy circular base. While originally a centerpiece of a formal table setting, it shows the passage of time through its distinctive patina and surface wear.
Key Features
The 'Tara Hall' stamp is the primary diagnostic feature. The model number 1108 identifies the specific size and shape in the Reed & Barton catalog.
Material & Composition
Silverplate (Electroplated Nickel Silver or EPNS). The image shows significant 'bleeding' where the silver layer has worn away to reveal the yellowish base metal underneath.
Finish & Decoration
Originally a high-polish mirror finish. The design is minimalist, relying on the elegant curvature of the form rather than heavy engraving or repoussé, typical of Mid-Century transitional style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'REED & BARTON' in block letters, model number '1108', and the collection name 'TARA HALL'. Absence of the word 'Sterling' or the lion passant mark confirms it is silverplate.
Construction Details
Spun or die-pressed from a sheet of base metal, then electroplated with silver. The uniform thickness and the stamped markings indicate industrial machine manufacturing.
Functional Features
Wide, shallow basin suitable for serving fruits, salads, or as a decorative centerpiece bowl. Features a reinforced footed base (visible as the circular raised area).
Handle & Grip Details
None; this is a rimmed bowl design designed for under-hand lifting or tabletop placement.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial quality for the era; the stamping is clean and centered, and the bowl's symmetry remains true despite its age and heavy surface wear.
Authentication Indicators
The markings are consistent with authentic Reed & Barton commercial silverplate from the mid-20th century. The wear pattern is consistent with decades of use and cleaning.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; manufactured in Taunton, Massachusetts, at the primary Reed & Barton factory complex.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1940s-1960s). The typeface of 'TARA HALL' and the streamlined aesthetic are indicative of post-war American dining trends.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965. The hallmark style and the specific model number align with the peak production of the Tara Hall series.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th-century American trend toward 'stately' home entertaining where silver-plated items allowed middle-class families to achieve a high-status aesthetic.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition. There is heavy tarnish (sulfide deposits) and significant 'plate loss' on the underside where the base metal is exposed. Scratching and pitting are visible on the interior surface.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. Value is low due to the significant loss of silver plating and the common nature of the Tara Hall silverplate line compared to sterling pieces.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) but avoid heavy rubbing on areas where the copper-colored base metal is showing, as this will further remove the remaining silver.
Similar Pieces
International Silver 'Camille' or Gorham 'Heritage' silverplate bowls. These differ by their specific stamps and slightly more ornate rim decorations.
Interesting Facts
Reed & Barton produced the medals for the 1996 Summer Olympics. The Tara Hall line was often pitched as a more affordable, durable alternative to their high-end sterling lines like Francis I.