Reed & Barton

Reed & Barton is a prominent silversmith manufacturer based in the city of Taunton, Massachusetts since 1824. It is internationally acclaimed for its fine quality products, notably sterling silver and silverplate. The company has produced many varieties of silver and pewter products since Henry G. Reed [http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~silversmiths/makers/silversmiths/115732.htm] and Charles E. Barton took over the failing pewter works of Isaac Babbitt [http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~silversmiths/makers/silversmiths/75147.htm] in Taunton. During the American Civil War, Reed & Barton produced a considerable quantity of weapons for Union Army soldiers and officers.

In 1928, Reed & Barton merged with silversmith Dominick & Haff. [ [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,731445,00.html?promoid=googlep More Mergers - TIME ] ]

Reed & Barton was exclusively chosen to design and produce the official gold, silver, and bronze medals for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, of which there are authentic samples on display at the Old Colony Historical Society museum in Taunton. The company's products are considered to be of such a high standard that they are used at the White House in Washington, D.C. Today, the company operates a factory store at the plant site, an outlet store at Wrentham Premium Outlets in Wrentham, Massachusetts, and an online store as well.

The company has remained privately owned by the family of Henry Reed. Besides the flatware for which it is renowned, Reed & Barton operates other brands as well:
*Reed & Barton Handcrafted Chests, the world's largest manufacturer of handmade chests, cigar humidors, pen chests, and hardwood flatware.
*Miller Rogaska Crystal, handmade stemware.
*Sheffield Collection, a company started in 1908 and purchased by Reed & Barton in 1973.
*Everyday stainless steel flatware designed for durability (and modern conveniences like dishwashers).
*It is the exclusive American importer of Belleek Fine Parian China and Aynsley Fine English Bone China Tableware.

Books about Reed & Barton:
*"The Whitesmiths of Taunton: A History of Reed & Barton 1824-1943", George Sweet Gibb, 1943.
*"Sterling Seasons - The Reed & Barton Story", Renee Garrelick, 1998.

See also

*Taunton, Massachusetts
*Bristol County, Massachusetts
*Greater Taunton Area

References

External links

* [http://www.reedandbarton.com Reed & Barton's Official Home Page]