Reed & Barton Silver Plated Hollowware Serving Tray or Platter with Pattern Number 2432
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Platter) · Reed & Barton, a historically significant American silver manufacturer founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. Known for high-quality craftsmanship, exceptional silverplate, and sterling silver pieces, the company became one of America's premier silversmithing firms.
Pattern: Unattributed standard utility hollowware line designated by production model number 2432.
Type
Hollowware (Serving Tray/Platter)
Maker
Reed & Barton, a historically significant American silver manufacturer founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. Known for high-quality craftsmanship, exceptional silverplate, and sterling silver pieces, the company became one of America's premier silversmithing firms.
Material
Silver Plated over a base metal, typically nickel silver or a white metal alloy, as indicated by the EP (Electro Plated) designation in the hallmarks.
Dimensions
Standard large serving tray or platter dimensions, typically ranging from 12 to 18 inches in diameter or length. Exact weight cannot be precisely determined visually, but indicates a substantial base metal plate typical of mid-century service platters.
Description
A classic vintage silver-plated serving tray or platter produced by the renowned Reed & Barton company. The underside displays clear manufacturer identification stamps, including the iconic 'R&B' shield, pseudo-hallmark punches signifying electroplate quality, and the pattern/inventory number 2432. The surface displays moderate age-appropriate scratch wear from polishing and use, presenting a classic vintage patina.
Key Features
Clear Reed & Barton maker's shield, distinct EP (Electro Plated) hallmark designation, and stamped inventory model number 2432.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated over a base metal, typically nickel silver or a white metal alloy, as indicated by the EP (Electro Plated) designation in the hallmarks.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish on the main surface with characteristic fine surface scratches from use and cleaning. Plain well with potential border details typical of mid-to-late 20th-century American silverplate service pieces.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Features the Reed & Barton shield logo containing stylized letters 'R&B', followed by individual punch marks including 'RR' in a cartouche, a shield hallmark 'S', an anchor or similar symbol, a crown or lion device, and an 'EP' (Electro Plated) stamp. The production/catalog number '2432' is stamped distinctly below the hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and spun base metal body with electroplated silver coating. Applied or rolled rim construction typical of commercial hollowware production.
Functional Features
Designed for serving food or beverages, featuring a flat or slightly depressed central well and a raised rim to prevent spills during presentation.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral rim handles or handled tray style implied by hollowware category; features a clean, smooth surface profile optimized for serving utility.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial high-quality American electroplate craftsmanship, featuring clean stamping, uniform metal thickness, and a durable plated finish designed for daily functional use.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Reed & Barton maker's mark and standard American silverplate pseudo-hallmark stamping sequence. The numerical punch style for '2432' matches mid-20th-century factory stamping conventions.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Taunton, Massachusetts, USA, by Reed & Barton, reflecting strong American industrial manufacturing traditions in silver and silverplate.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1930s-1960s), indicated by the specific style of the Reed & Barton shield mark, punch marks, and stamped numerical style.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940 to 1960, based on the typography of the pattern number '2432' and the configuration of the maker's hallmarks.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th-century American tradition of formal dining, hospitality, and domestic entertaining using durable, elegant silver-plated tableware accessible to the expanding middle class.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with visible surface scratches and hairline scuffs consistent with age, regular use, and historical polishing. No major dents or structural warping visible; silver plating appears intact with normal wear.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $30 and $100 USD depending on exact size, current condition, and local secondary market demand for vintage silverplate hollowware.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild, non-abrasive silver cream or specialized silver polish using soft microfiber cloths. Store in a dry environment wrapped in anti-tarnish cloth or Pacific Silvercloth to prevent oxidation of the underlying base metal if plating thins.
Similar Pieces
Similar silver-plated trays and platters produced by contemporaneous American makers such as International Silver Co., Wallace Silversmiths, and Oneida.
Interesting Facts
Reed & Barton supplied silver and silverplate to high-profile establishments, including the White House during various administrations, and is celebrated for its rich Massachusetts manufacturing heritage spanning nearly two centuries.