In 1862, the Meriden Britannia Company purchased the Rogers Brothers
Manufacturing Company, including their tools, dies and trademark. Many
other small companies in the area realized the benefits of banding
together to better supply the growing public demand. The International
Silver Company was incorporated in 1898. Along with the 1847 Rogers
Bros. trademark, the Meriden Britannia Company led the way. Soon, over
forty firms would join, often retaining their own trademarks under the
I.S. Co. umbrella. Some of these names include the American Silver
Co., Barbour Silver Co..."
Despite the great interest in Barbour silver - many people own it, apparently - information on its history is sketchy. Here's what researchers at the Connecticut Historical Society uncovered:
In 1881 or 1882, Samuel Barbour moved from Chicago to New Haven, Conn., where he and his brother Charles joined in forming the Barbour Brothers Co. At this point, they were only marketers of silverplate products made by I. J. Steane & Co. of Hartford. But the brothers were operating in Hartford by no later than 1889, since the Geer's city directory for that year contains the listing, "Barbour Bros. Co. silverplated ware mfgs.., 64 Market St." (Market Street, located downtown, has been altered greatly since then.)
In 1892, a decade or so after its formation, the brothers' original partnership was succeeded by the Barbour Silver Co., which also succeeded Steane & Co. The 1889 edition of the Geer's city directory has a listing for "Barbour Silver Co., Silversmiths, 62 Market St."
Barbour Silver became one of the first silver firms absorbed by the International Silver Co. of Meriden, Conn., when that concern was established in 1898.
