Reed & Barton sterling silver bowl in Francis I pattern number X569 and in Art Nouveau style, richly adorned with fruits and flowers. It measures 11 1/3” in diameter by 2 2/3” in height, weighs 20.8 troy ounces, and bears hallmarks as shown. Often called America’s most glorious pattern, Francis I is a true work of art, having a central decoration depicting a different cluster of fruit and flowers, giving your table a unique and classic appearance. Francis I remains one of the most popular silverware patterns of all time. Reed & Barton was originally founded as Babbitt & Crossman in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1824. Reed and business partner Charles E. In 1896, the company was awarded a Medal of Excellence at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. During the 1900s, Reed & Barton silver continued to be incredibly popular. The company hired a publicist to assist in promoting their brand. They opened a store in New York City, began making trophies, and took on commissions from the United States Navy. In 1928, Reed & Barton merged with silversmith Dominick & Haff. Some notable items Reed and Barton were responsible for include the silver used on the USS Arizona, the metals for the Summer Olympic games held in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996, and a number of famous flatware patterns, including Francis I. The company’s products have also been used at the White House. In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower received a trophy made by Reed & Barton for being the winner of the National Celebrities Tournament. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy cut his inaugural cake with our Reed & Barton Pointed cake knife.