Circa 1880 Reed & Barton Victorian Silverplate Ice Water Pitcher, Patented Design

Details

Description

This is a late-19th-century silver-plated ice water pitcher by Reed & Barton of Taunton, Massachusetts, dating to circa 1880.

A … Read more This is a late-19th-century silver-plated ice water pitcher by Reed & Barton of Taunton, Massachusetts, dating to circa 1880.

A wonderful example of Victorian American silverplate, the substantial pitcher measures an impressive 13.5 inches high by approximately 10 inches wide and features an elaborate patented design with classical and foliate ornamentation.

The underside retains the original Reed & Barton markings along with multiple period patent inscriptions, most notably “PAT FEB. 24, 1880.” This date corresponds to a Reed & Barton design patent issued to John Hewitson of Taunton, Massachusetts, and assigned to Reed & Barton for the ornamentation of metal surfaces. Additional patent dates visible on the base further document the pitcher’s late-19th-century manufacture.

The imposing form was intended for the elegant service of chilled or ice water—a specialty of Reed & Barton during this period. The sculptural handle, deeply embossed decoration and substantial proportions give the pitcher presence as both a functional piece of Victorian tableware and a decorative object. (We cannot attest to food safety.)

The silverplate has a beautifully aged surface with areas of patina and wear consistent with approximately 145 years of age. The interior is without a separate liner. We believe there was a liner at one time as the top rim is removable.

Please see photographs for condition and details of the historic patent markings.
Accessories shown are not included.

Dimensions: approximately 13.5” H × 10” W.

A striking and increasingly difficult-to-find example of circa-1880 Reed & Barton American silverplate, particularly desirable for its documented patented decoration and large scale. See less