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Question regarding a tea set, likely from the 1800s. It only has "1799" and a piece number such as 2-6 stamped on the bottom of each piece with no manufacturer name listed. In researching "1799", it was a Reed and Barton pattern that is identical in basic structure to these pieces, but the Reed and Barton name is no where to be found on them. They are heavily chased with leaves and grapes. Appreciate any help!

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

Reed & Barton, I believe, besides their normally recognised silversmith trade, were also suppliers to the trade of unfinished goods, leaving the customer to finish and plate the article. I suspect that if the customer wanted the these goods unmarked that would not be a problem.

It was also common for some retailers to require unmarked finished items so that they could mark items under their own name with the view of getting repeat business from their own customers.

Trev.

Thanks for the info!