Hi Steve,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Reed & Barton has been in business for more than 200 years, opening in Taunton, MA, in 1824; it was one of the most prominent American silversmith manufacturers in the 19th and 20th Century, producing sterling silver and silver plated flatware and hollowware, as well as Britannia ware.

The company introduced the Francis I pattern - which was designed by French silversmith Ernest Meyer - between 1906 and 1907; it was one of the firms most elaborate and ornate patterns and was inspired by the French Renaissance of 1515-1547.

While large silver flatware sets are always preferable (and more valuable than smaller sets because they are heavier), the fact that you have an intact set makes this particularly desirable.

Silver is currently enjoying a high market value and the value always starts with the melt weight and goes up from there so there will be some fluctuation in the value but other similarly-sized sets of R&B Francis I sterling silver flatware suggest this would likely sell between $6,000 and $8,000

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage 128-piece Reed & Barton sterling silver flatware service for 12
In the Francis I pattern, after 1907, comprising:
12 entree / dinner knives
12 entree / dinner forks
12 salad / luncheon forks
12 dessert forks
12 seafood forks
12 fruit knives
12 butter spreaders
12 iced-tea spoons
12 tea / coffee spoons
12 soup spoons
1 dessert slice
1 serving fork
1 condiment fork
1 fish fork
1 pair serving tongs
1 jelly/condiment spoon
1 ladle
1 serving spoon
CONDITION: This set appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 6,000-8,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia