Hi Jacquelyn,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The mark of the "R" flanked by eagle and lion is that of Reed & Barton, which was founded in 1824 in Taunton by Isaac Babbitt, Henry G. Reed, and Charles Barton. Originally producing Britannia ware, the company became one of America’s premier silversmiths during the 19th century, known for sterling flatware, tea services, and decorative hollowware. Reed & Barton supplied medals for the 1924 Summer Olympics and produced elegant designs ranging from Victorian to Art Deco styles. The firm was especially respected for craftsmanship, durability, and richly ornamented patterns.

This coffee pot appears to be in the "Hepplewhite" pattern, which was introduced in 1907 and was one of Reed & Barton's neoclassical patterns, drawing on 18th-century English design inspiration associated with cabinetmaker George Hepplewhite. Production continued for nearly a century, with discontinuation generally cited around 2005. It was issued in both sterling and silverplate forms, which is why it shows up frequently in estate sets; there's no doubt this is the sterling and more desirable pot!

This would have been sold with a tea pot, hot water pot, cream pitcher, covered sugar bowl and a waste bowl (for used loose tea leaves); a tray in the same pattern would have been made in silverplate, which was stronger that sterling and could have supported a fully-loaded tea and coffee service when carried.

While engraved initials are appealing among family members, they can actually deter buyers who don't have those same initials.

At auction, a pot on it's own of this size would probably sell for between $2,000 and $2,500.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Reed & Barton sterling silver coffee pot
In the Hepplewhite pattern, circa 1920s
engraved with monogram "MMcB"
9 inches overall height
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition; some wear commensurate with age and normal use to be expected including some scratching, tarnishing and flea bit dents.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 2,000-2,500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia