In 1842, in the American town of Taunton, Massachusetts, the company that would later become known as Reed & Barton was born. Initially, under the name Babbit & Crossman, the company made history by patenting a unique alloy under the brand name “Britannia”. The company’s main specialization was food tin products, but over time they were replaced by more prestigious silver products, including silver-plated cutlery and sterling silver tableware. Today, after 170 years of history, Reed & Barton occupies a leading position in the American market as the largest manufacturer of silver tableware. In 1840, under its current name, the company began its active activity in the market, which coincided with the invention of galvanic silver coating technology in England.
This breakthrough allowed the company to quickly become one of the leading players in the silver-plated tableware segment within ten years. During the Civil War (1861-1865), some of the unplated silver products were sold to competitors, including Rogers Brothers, who then sold them under their own brand. During the war, the company was also engaged in the production of weapons for the Union troops.
A special place in the history of the company is occupied by artistic silver napkin rings with figures of people and animals, which today are valuable collectibles and antiques. An important stimulus for the development of silverware production was the discovery of silver deposits in Nevada in 1858. In 1889, the company launched the first line of sterling silver tableware, which was a significant step in its history.
At the end of the 19th century, in the face of fierce competition, the company was forced to switch to mass production to strengthen its position in the market. In 1905, the first brand store was opened on 5th Avenue in New York. During World War I (1914-1918), Reed & Barton supplied tableware to the US Navy, much of which sank to the bottom of the seas and oceans along with the ships.
