Reed & Barton Antique Silver Plate 1860 3-Pc Chased Grape-Themed Tea Set

  

Reed & Barton Antique Silver Plate 1860 3-Pc Chased Grape-Themed Tea Set. Reed & Barton's silver plate grape pattern tea sets began with a first patent in January, 1858, with the base pattern numbered 1950, continuing with "variants" of the first design. This three-piece, hand-chased set with the pattern number 1958 was made in 1860. The teapot's well-fitting rim and its lid are both circled with beading, with pieces of vines dotting the rim, giving the pot a detailed, finished presentation. The two silver plate finishes of the set are amazing to study.

The pot's lid begins, under the grape and grapevine applied finial, in a satin finish to 1/4 of the vibrant, shiny silver plate finished rim. Spilling to the garland ring, the body of the pot changes to a satin finish. The interior of the hand-chased design is smooth, with shiny silver plate accenting the design details, surrounded with the main body in the satin presentation. The pedestal is beaded and shiny to the satin-textured base.

The cast, applied grape leaves and grape bunches are varied with strategic and artful placement. The set's teapot is dented in the middle of one side, and the creamer dented on both sides, again, in the middle.

The waste bowl is free of dents. The "variant" pattern numbers with subtle changes in themes and design were sequential in this Reed & Barton Victorian collection. The cast-and-applied grapes and grapevines were a signature motif that was employed by Reed & Barton in the design of other hollowware produced in this era. The teapot measures 10" high to its grape cluster applied finial, is 9" from spout to handle, and its opening diameter is 3 1/2.

The set's creamer is 8 1/2" to the top of the handle and 6 1/2" to its rim, and the waste bowl, intended for lemon rinds and tea leaves, stands 5 1/2" high and has a 5 1/4" diameter.