Reed & Barton Sterling Silver Francis I Porringer Bowl in Art Nouveau Style X569

Reed & Barton sterling silver porringer bowl in celebrated Francis I pattern and in Art Nouveau Style in pattern X569 from 1955, measuring 6 1/2'' in length (including the handle) by 4 3/4'' in diameter by 1 3/4'' in height, weighing 4 troy ounces, and bearing hallmarks as shown.  Often called America's most glorious sterling silverware 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. However, the company was slowly losing money, so the failing company was purchased by Henry G. Reed and business partner Charles E. Barton. 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