Christian ker Reid I was the founder of the firm of Reid & sons. His apprenticeship started in 1778, when he arrived from Edinburgh, he first started work with Langlands & Robertson, another example of the close relationship between the Newcastle silver-smiths. 10 years later (in 1788) he set up business on his own. This is when the firm of Reid & sons is recognised as starting. His first work was assayed in 1791. The partnership of Christian ker Reid and David Reid was registered in 1818 but Christian ker Reid continued assaying work in his own name until 1819. He died in 1834. Sugar tongs by Christian ker Reid I are quite rare even though his was a well known silver business.