Reed & Barton 'Elite' Pattern Silver Plate Tablespoon/Serving Spoon
Flatware - Serving Spoon/Tablespoon · Reed & Barton, founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. A premier American silversmithing firm known for high-quality hollowware and flatware, serving as a primary competitor to Tiffany and Gorham.
Pattern: 'Elite' pattern, introduced circa 1905. It is a discontinued ornate pattern characterized by its multi-motif scroll and shell elements.
Type
Flatware - Serving Spoon/Tablespoon
Maker
Reed & Barton, founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. A premier American silversmithing firm known for high-quality hollowware and flatware, serving as a primary competitor to Tiffany and Gorham.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The 'Elite' line was one of Reed & Barton's premium plated offerings, utilizing a high-quality nickel silver base for durability and substantial weight.
Dimensions
Approximately 8.25 to 8.5 inches in length. Estimated weight is 65-80 grams. This size typically identifies it as a large tablespoon or an all-purpose serving spoon.
Description
An elegant example of American Edwardian flatware, this Reed & Barton Elite spoon showcases the pinnacle of turn-of-the-century plated design. The 'Elite' line was marketed as an affordable luxury for those who desired the weight and intricate detailing of solid sterling without the prohibitive cost. The highlight of this piece is the 'Double-Sided' decoration, featuring a magnificent shell-like fan extending onto the back of the bowl, ensuring the piece looks beautiful from every angle on a dining table.
Key Features
The most distinguishing feature is the elaborate shell motif on the heel (the back of the bowl), a hallmark of the Elite pattern. The crispness of the scrollwork on the handle indicates a high-quality production die.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The 'Elite' line was one of Reed & Barton's premium plated offerings, utilizing a high-quality nickel silver base for durability and substantial weight.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with deep relief die-struck decoration. The design features Rococo-inspired scrolls, acanthus leaves, and a prominent shell/fan motif on the heel of the bowl. The handle has a scalloped, fiddle-shaped silhouette with raised borders.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'REED & BARTON' in block letters followed by 'ELITE'. The absence of the word 'Sterling' or the lion passant-style marks confirms it is the silver-plated line of this pattern.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck from heavyweight blanks. This process allows for the intricate, high-relief three-dimensional detailing seen on both the front and back of the handle and the decorative heel.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowl designed for serving vegetables, starches, or desserts. The reinforced heel decoration provides extra metal at the primary wear point where the spoon rests on surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated with the bowl (one-piece construction). The flared end and contoured edges provide an ergonomic grip for serving large portions.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays excellent die-work with deep, clean recesses. The lack of flashing or rough edges suggests high-quality factory finishing and hand-polishing after the striking and plating process.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep-struck manufacturer marks. The 'ELITE' stamp is specifically associated with Reed & Barton's high-grade plating line from the early 1900s. Construction shows no signs of modern casting seams.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Taunton, Massachusetts, USA. Reed & Barton's factory was famous for its 'Damascene' work and high-quality electroplating standards during the early 20th century.
Era & Period
Edwardian / Turn of the Century (c. 1900-1915). The design reflects the 'Gilded Age' preference for highly ornate, Neo-Rococo aesthetics that signaled luxury and status.
Age Estimate
Circa 1905-1920. Based on the 'Elite' pattern launch date and the specific block-letter style of the 'REED & BARTON' stamp used during this period.
Cultural Significance
During the early 1900s, specialized serving pieces like this were essential for the multi-course dining common in middle and upper-class American homes, reflecting Victorian-era social etiquette and the industrialization of luxury.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Shows light surface scratches ('patina') consistent with age. There is minimal 'heel wear' (plating loss on the back), and the silver remains bright. No evidence of major dents or repairs.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD. While silver-plated items do not have high scrap value, individual serving pieces in this pattern remain popular for 'mix and match' collectors and antique enthusiasts for their aesthetic utility.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive sponges which can strip the silver plate. Store in Pacific Silvercloth to prevent tarnish; do not use rubber bands, as they corrode silver.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with 'Francis I' (Sterling) or 'La Touraine' (Plated). While 'Francis I' is more deeply fruit-themed, 'Elite' is more strictly scroll and shell based. It competes with Gorham's 'Buttercup' or 'Chantilly' plated lines.
Interesting Facts
Reed & Barton achieved international fame for producing the medals for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, but they were originally most famous for their elaborate 'Francis I' sterling pattern, which 'Elite' sought to emulate in style and weight.