Reed & Barton Flatware

Since its inception in 1824, Reed & Barton has been one of America’s most iconic silver flatware brands. With a long history of excellent quality and distinctive pieces, Reed & Barton is the official supplier of flatware for the White House.

Isaac Babbit founded Reed & Barton as a jewelry shop in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1822, but switched his focus to metalworking shortly thereafter. In 1824, Babbit famously developed Britannia metal, a combination of antimony, tin, and copper which he prided on having a greater luster than pewter. After gaining popularity for his quality and craftsmanship, Babbit partnered with two esteemed designers, Henry Reed and Charles Barton, whom he would eventually sell the company to in 1834.

Following the discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859, which made raw silver widely available throughout the U.S., Reed & Barton began to produce cast sterling silver patterns in hollowware and flatware to great acclaim. Today, Reed & Barton flatware continues to be as renowned and highly sought after as ever before.

Quick Facts

• In addition to producing some of the world’s best flatware, Reed & Barton is the world’s largest manufacturer of cigar humidors and pen chests
• In 2015, Christie’s sold a Reed & Barton flatware service for $3,000
• Reed & Barton’s manufacturing plant, located in Taunton, Massachusetts, is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places