Silver?

[Jposton1987]

Marked Reed and Barton 950 with trumpet Hallmark for date 1938. Does anyone know if this is silver or silver plate?

 

[HistoryTeacher]

Maybe, though someone else can confirm it or not. 950 is often used as a silver mark for higher quality silver. That being said, it could also be a model number. But you knew that already.

Here is link to a really nice piece of 950 R&B silver https://www.spencermarks.com/products/reed-barton-extremely-rare-art-nouveau-950-silver-vase-providence-ri-c-1900. It is earlier and marked differently than yours. Your piece seems a little simple to be made of higher quality silver. What does the rest of it look like?

I'll be interested in what you find out.

 

[Jposton1987]

It's very simple set nothing too ornate about the two. But at less than $6 I thought I would take a shot. If they are silver they are in very good condition with little tarnishing, which has me a little suspicious especially being 950. It's just odd to me to see the 950 (used to the .925 or Sterling) and not see silver plate anywhere on the pieces.

 

[tamrock]

I'm not sure. I did see something referring the trumpet mark as being a date code for the year 1938. This site has some examples of Reed & Barton 950/1000 pure silver marks, which I didn't know they produced.History of Silver Makers | Antique Sterling Silver Makers Im not finding any examples of Reed & Barton pattern No. 950 that look like those, but I didn't really go deep in the search. For what they cost, you didn't loose any skin IMO if they're not solid silver.

 

[lucky6]

I think the 950 is a style number and not .950 silver......the trumpet would indicate it was made in 1938

 

[lucky6]

All Reed & Barton Sterling should have the following hallmarks...

 

[lucky6]

It’s a safe assumption with a Reed &Barton item that if it’s not marked appropriately it’s probably plated....that being said if you’re still not sure...file past the surface plate and acid test the core of the item to determine the true composition...hope this helps

 

[Beachkid23]

I think its a model number. But I probably would have bought them and then been excited al day!