What Is the Composition of Reed & Barton Cortland Flatware?

Cortland is a Reed & Barton pattern that was made from 2001 to 2003.

Reed & Barton's Cortland pattern is a stainless steel 18/10 flatware. The 18/10 designation refers to the amount of chromium (18 percent) and nickel (10 percent) it contains. Chromium helps to keep the pieces from rusting, while nickel helps it to keep its shine through the years.

Types of Stainless

Stainless items are divided into three categories: 18/0, 18/8, and 18/10. The 18 refers to its chromium content, which gives stainless its "stain less" property. In flatware, it particularly keeps it from rusting. Flatware marked 18/0 has no nickel, the ingredient that helps it stay shiny. Items marked 18/8 and 18/10 have somewhere from 8 to 10 percent nickel.

Significance

Flatware marked 18/0 is a lower end, cheaper product that will become dull over the years. Pieces marked 18/8 and 18/10 are higher quality because they will maintain their shine. Use of the two is more of a marketing tool used to impress consumers. The 8 and 10 are only approximate numbers, so it should not be assumed that flatware with 10 percent nickel is significantly better than those marked as having 8 percent nickel.

Interesting Facts

Individual pieces of the discontinued Cortland pattern can be purchased from companies that stock discontinued flatware, such as Replacements, Ltd. The 18/10 makeup of Cortland---or any other flatware marked 18/10---does not refer to its weight or heaviness.

References

• Replacements Ltd.: Reed & Barton flatware Cortland (stainless) stock sheet
• Silver Superstore: What's the difference between 18/0, 18/8 and 18/10 flatware?
• Food Service Warehouse: Flatware Buying Guide

Resources

• Crate & Barrel: If it needs polishing, you'll never use it