Reed & Barton Silver Plate Platter Centerpiece in Art Nouveau Style #2008

Reed & Barton silver plate platter or centerpiece in exquisite Art Nouveau style with decorations of grapes, leaves, and branches adorning this dish with beautifully scalloped edges, standing on 4 feet with grape motifs. It measures 15'' at the widest point by 16 1/4'' across by 2 3/4'' in height, weighs 42.9 troy ounces, and bears hallmarks as shown.  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 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 sil