Originally the family business started by Christian Ker Reid in 1778.

The Reid family married into the Barnard family – Christian’s sons William and David Reid married Mary and Elizabeth Barnard, daughters of Edward Barnard I. William’s son Edward married Anna Barnard, daughter of John Barnard I (they were cousins and both grandchildren of Edward Barnard I).

William Ker Reid entered into partnership with Joseph Craddock in London in 1812 at 67 Leather Lane. He obtained his freedom of the Goldsmiths Company and was made a Liveryman in 1818. In 1825 William Ker Reid became active on his own account at 5 Bream’s Buildings, Chancery Lane, London. In 1847 the firm became W.K. Reid & Son. The partner was his son Edward Ker Reid (1821-1886). He was apprenticed to his father obtaining his freedom by Patrimony in 1842 and was made Liveryman in 1848. He managed the business under his own name by 1856. In 1874 the firm moved to Gough Square, Fleet Street, London until his death in 1886.

After Christian’s death in 1834, the Newcastle business was continued by his sons William Ker Reid (1787-1868), David Reid (1792-1869) and Christian Bruce Reid (1805-1889). The firm, known as Reid & Sons, was active at 12 Dean Street, 14 Grey Street (1843) and 41 Grey Street, Newcastle (1855). The firm exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition and at the 1862 International Exhibition.

Later, the business was continued by T.A. and W.C. Reid in partnership with Francis James Langford at 41 Grey Street and 48 Grainger Street, Newcastle. In 1909 the firm moved to Gem Buildings, Blackett Street, Newcastle under the management of T.A. Reid, C.L. Reid and William Septimus Leete.

In 1930 the firm was converted into a limited liability company under the style of Reid & Sons Ltd. In 1967 Reed & Sons Ltd became a subsidiary of the Northern Goldsmiths Co Ltd.