Information Regarding Reed & Barton

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Reed & Barton, 17 Union Square, New York, have added to their numerous variety of new and beautiful designs in flatware, the "Trajan " design, which is a distinct departure from the general character of other patterns. This design, a conventionalized floral decoration, covers the entire handle of the pieces which it ornaments. The " Trajan" is patented and is made only by this corporation.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 15th February 1893

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Reed & Barton - Taunton, Mass. - 1870

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Reed & Barton - Taunton, Mass. - 1918

FRANCIS FIRST SERVICE

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The sterling silver service recently completed by Reed & Barton for the battleship Minnesota is the most notable in many respects of any yet designed. The style is that of the French school, of the transition or later Louis XV period and is composed of 42 pieces. The total weight of the punch bowl is over 1,000 ounces. The service throughout is radically different from anything previously made and will bear comparison with the best products of the silversmith's art.

Source: The Metal Industry - March 1909

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DETAILS OF REED & BARTON SILVERWARE SUPPLIED TO THE HOTEL MUEHLEBACH, KANSAS CITY IN 1915:















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Theodore B. Starr, Inc. - New York - 1919

SAINT GEORGE

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H. M. Lane, Chicago manager of Reed & Barton, will be back from Mackinaw the coming Saturday.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 10th August 1898

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Reed & Barton - Taunton, Mass. - 1895

LA REINE - LA MARQUISE - TRAJAN

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Reed & Barton - Theodore B. Starr, Inc. - New York - 1920

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REED & BARTON, - Henry G. Reed, President; George Brabrook, Treasurer; F. L. Fish, Clerk—Manufacturers of Sterling Silver and Electro Plate—No. 48 Britannia Street, Taunton Mass.—Salesrooms, No. 37 Union Square, New York.

This concern has a history of which we are sure a brief resume will interest all and instruct not a few of our readers. In 1824 Isaac Babbitt began making britannia ware by hand and with the crudest appliances in a small shop near the present City square, soon afterward forming a copartnership with a practical mechanic named William W. Grossman. The two leased a room and power on Spring street, and ere the close of the year named succeeded in producing the first finished britannia ware ever made on this side of the Atlantic. The original rolls used by the pioneer firm in making plates, teapots, etc., are still exhibited to visitors at Reed & Barton's office, and as compared with the superb machinery now employed for similar purposes are about as effective as the stage coach of those days alongside a vestibule train of palace sleepers. The devices served their purpose, however, and in 1827 the enterprising partners were enabled to build for themselves a new brick factory. The next year Messrs. William Allen West and Zephaniah A. Leonard became associated with Mr. Crossman under the style of Crossman, West & Leonard, Mr. Babbitt remaining with the new firm in the capacity of metallurgist. About the same time Henry G. Reed and Charles E. Barton entered the works as apprentices. The firm prospered, and soon had all they could do to supply the demand for tea and coffee pots, urns and britannia table ware. In 1830, with a view of increasing facilities and obtaining more economical power, the firm erected a much larger brick factory on the west bank of Mill river, in what is now known as Britanniaville, and organized the Taunton Britannia Manufacturing Company; and after a few years the company closed up the business and paid all their debts, leaving their equipment in the hands of Reed & Barton, who in the meantime had become expert workmen. They were also industrious and capable, and at once formed a copartnership and went to work, with small cap1tal and in a modest way, to recover the ground lost by their former employers, which, thanks to indomitable energy and first-class business capacity, they were enabled to do. After two years Mr. Gustavus Leonard became associated with them, under the style of Leonard, Reed & Barton, and after a time the firm was enabled to purchase the buildings and plant. In 1840 they were awarded a gold medal for the best exhibit of britannia ware at the American Institute fair, New York. Mr. Leonard died in 1845, when the style was changed to Reed & Barton, and Henry H. Fish was admitted. In 1859 George Brabrook, an old and faithful employe, was made a member of the firm, which continued without further change until the death of Mr. Barton in 1867, when the surviving members purchased his interest, retaining the old name and style. Mr. Fish died in 1882, and was succeeded by his sons, George H. and Frank L. In 1888, for convenience and the segregation of the various interests, an act of incorporation was procured under the style of Reed & Barton; capital stock, $600,000.



From time to time new buildings have been erected, the mechanical appliances multiplied, facilities in all departments increased, greater numbers of operatives employed, and the productive capacity augmented in every way, until now these works are unquestionably among the largest in the United States and turn out great quantities of fine sterling silver and electro-plate, while design and quality are unsurpassed by any rival in America or Europe. The goods are handled by all leading dealers in the world. It is unnecessary to describe the works, which are shown in our engraving. They cover about eight acres of land.

Source: Inland Massachusetts Illustrated - Elstner Publishing Company - 1891

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At the meeting of the directors of the Gorham Mfg. Co., held at the Elmwood plant on Wednesday last the resignation of William S. Stone as Secretary was accepted. Mr. Stone has accepted a position with the executive forces of Reed & Barton Co., of Taunton.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 31st May 1922

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Reed & Barton - New York - 1914

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Reed & Barton have secured the contract for furnishing the silverware for the new Hotel Henry. There were many bidders for the same, which calls for $5,000 worth of plate.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 31st March 1897

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George A. Bosworth, for the last seven years associated with the Fesenden Co., Inc., of this city, and for more than 15 years previously with Reed & Barton Corp. of Taunton, has become treasurer and manager of the Orthopedic Specialty Shop, Inc., 171 Newbury St., Boston.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 2nd February 1921

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The beautiful chest of silver presented Friday night to Manager Maurice Grau, by his friends and members of the Metropolitan Opera Co., was exhibited by the makers, Reed & Barton, in the window of their store, at 17th St. and Union sq., Monday. The chest, which was presented to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Mr. Grau's management, is of mahogany bound in brass and contains 300 pieces of flatware in the well-known "Marquis" pattern. In the five large trays which it contains are every piece made for table use, and two dozen of each article of table ware. The inscription is in French and appears on a large brass tablet on the cover.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 17th February 1897

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Death of Nathan Lawrence

Taunton, Mass., Aug. 8.—The funeral of Nathan Lawrence, for half a century partner and superintendent in the great silver house of Reed & Barton, took place to-day. Rev. Thomas Edward Potterton, of the Universalist Church, in which Mr. Lawrence was deeply interested, officiated. From the factory employes and his associates and from hundreds of friends came beautiful flowers.

Mr. Lawrence was a native of Salem, Mass. At an early age he removed to Dorchester and learned the britannia worker's trade under Rosswell Gleason. He finished his apprenticeship and was in business for himself when Reed & Barton bought him out and made him superintendent of their works.

He took that position in 1847 and held it until advancing years compelled him to lay down active affairs six years ago. He had charge of the whole working force, 33 men, in 1847, and when he retired over 700 were on the pay-roll. Of the original 35 three are now living, J. W. Thayer, Edwin Reed and Edmund W. Porter.

Mr. Lawrence was married while in Dorchester to Miss Adeline Leach. Abbott F. Lawrence, treasurer of the Winthrop Mill; George D. Lawrence, traveling salesman for Reed & Barton, and now located for a time in Michigan, and Mrs. Edward B. Powers, of Taunton, were their children.

Mr. Lawrence lived in one of the most beautiful dwelling estates in the city.. He was, during the more active years of his life, a prominent member of King David Lodge of Masons.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 13th August 1902

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Reed & Barton - New York - 1917

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Reed & Barton - New York - 1917

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Luther Hyde, of Reed & Barton, passed through Detroit last week.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 10th January 1894

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GEO. D. LAWRENCE DEAD

Well-Known Salesman for Reed & Barton Succumbs to a Long Illness

Taunton, Mass., Dec. 19.—George D. Lawrence, who was a traveling salesman for the house of Reed & Barton, silversmiths, is dead at his home on W. Britannia St., after an illness of several months. Mr. Lawrence was the second son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Lawrence. He was born in this city, educated in its schools, and though the nature of his employment had carried him away from it for months at a time since his young manhood he had always made it his home. He had a large circle of friends in the jewelry trade and in other circles.

Mr. Lawrence had been for many years one of the traveling force for Reed & Barton, his territory comprising much of the north and middle west. He had a personality and a genial, companionable, generous nature which, combined with a keen mentality, made him an especially successful salesman. His thorough knowledge of the silver business and a rugged honesty in his dealings with his fellow men were distinct and valuable assets and commended him sincerely to those with whom he came in contact, not only in a business but in a social way.

Several times during the past few years he had been compelled to rest from his work owing to severe attacks of illness, which he in every case met with with great bravery and an optimism which, with a naturally rugged system, brought him through a winner in the battle until his recent attack. This he met as bravely as ever, but increasing weakness for several days past foretold but one end.

In his youth, during and following his high school and Bristol academy days, he was noted as a skillful baseball player. In fact, it is stated by contemporaries that had he cared to take up the game professionally he would have made an unusual record. He was connected with many of the leading teams of Bristol county and never lost his interest in this and other athletic sports and numbered among his personal friends many of the leading athletes of the present day in various parts of the United States.

He was a member of the Winthrop and Segregansett Country Clubs; of Charles H. Titus Lodge, A. F. and A. M.; St. Mark's Chapter, Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine, and Knights Templar.

He leaves one brother, Abbott F. Lawrence, treasurer of the Winthrop Cotton Yarn Co.

Source: The Jewelers' Circular - 26th December 1917

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