Ernest Myers designed Francis I for Reed and Barton who introduced it in 1907. It is a rich Renaissance- Baroque pattern of fruits and flowers. And, within the pattern itself, 15 different designs can be found on various pieces, making it a very elaborate pattern. It is said that Meyers used the work of Benvenuto Cellini, Court Artist of King Francis I of France for inspiration. The pieces themselves are heavy. The original pattern (referred to as the "Old" Version) introduced in 1907 has a Lion, an Eagle and the letter "R" stamped on the back of each piece. A "Newer" version was released in 1950 that simply has "Reed and Barton" stamped on the back. To many people, this is the most ornate pattern still being made today.
Salad Serving Set (9 1/2 inches)
Fruit/Orange Spoon (5 7/8 inches)
Master Salt Spoon (3 5/8 inches)
Lemon Fork ( 4 7/8 inches)
Long before "Grande Baroque" began cutting into the ornate sterling flatware market, "Francis I" was king. It was in many ways the last of the art nouveau patterns. Ordinary folk had "Chantilly" or "Old Master;" but "Francis I" was for those who took it for granted that they were on top of the social pyramid. . . I remember one "grande dame" in my small southern town who counted every piece after her maid had washed it. When she found a fork missing, and accused her maid of taking it, the maid told her where she could put the rest of her "Francis I," and then quit on the spot..
ReplyDeleteYes, in my small town that was the case also. The pattern never did anything for me. Perhaps it was because of the haughty attitude of those I knew who had it!
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