Reed & Barton Francis I Pattern Sterling Silver Candlestick
Candelabra/Candlestick (Hollowware) · Reed & Barton, founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. One of the most prestigious American silversmiths known for high-quality craftsmanship and historical pattern designs.
Pattern: Francis I (introduced 1907), attributed to designer Ernest Meyer. It remains one of the most iconic and collected American silver patterns.
Type
Candelabra/Candlestick (Hollowware)
Maker
Reed & Barton, founded in 1824 in Taunton, Massachusetts. One of the most prestigious American silversmiths known for high-quality craftsmanship and historical pattern designs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Most examples of this size in Francis I are 'Weighted Sterling,' meaning the silver shell is filled with wax or cement for stability.
Dimensions
Standard candlesticks in this pattern typically range from 9 to 11 inches in height with a base diameter of approximately 5-6 inches. Weight is usually 'weighted' and not purely troy ounces of silver.
Description
A magnificent example of the Francis I pattern by Reed & Barton, this candlestick showcases the opulent variety of fruits and scrolls that made the pattern a favorite for formal American tables. The high-relief decoration and masterful use of light and shadow make it a centerpiece of any hollowware collection.
Key Features
Intricate 'Francis I' fruit and leaf motif; heavy scalloped edge; high-relief repoussé; weighted base for functional stability; classic Renaissance-style stem.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Most examples of this size in Francis I are 'Weighted Sterling,' meaning the silver shell is filled with wax or cement for stability.
Finish & Decoration
Late Baroque/Rococo style featuring ornate repoussé and chasing. The base displays heavily embossed fruit and foliage motifs (grapes, scrolls, and leaves) with a bright-polished center and oxidized recesses to highlight detail.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the base rim with 'Reed & Barton', 'Sterling', 'weighted', and the eagle/R/lion hallmark symbols used by the company. May include the pattern number 570A or similar.
Construction Details
Manufactured using die-striking and hydraulic pressing into deep relief molds, then hand-finished and chased to sharpen details. The piece is hollow and filled with a weighting compound.
Functional Features
Tapered socket for standard wax candles, broad weighted base for tip-resistance, and a flared bobeche (drip pan) area integrated into the ornate stem design.
Handle & Grip Details
The stem serves as the primary grip; it features a multifaceted design with varying diameters to mimic organic vine growth, providing a secure handhold.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent die-work for a mass-produced item. The transitions between the smooth central column and the ornate base are seamless, showing high-quality factory finishing.
Authentication Indicators
The complex mixture of specific fruit clusters (grapes, plums, leaves) is unique to the Francis I dies. The specific 'double-scroll' foot pattern is a signature trait of Reed & Barton's 20th-century production.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Taunton, Massachusetts at the Reed & Barton factory. The pattern was a hallmark of American industrial silversmithing excellence.
Era & Period
Early 20th Century (1907-present), specifically Renaissance Revival and Rococo Revival influences popular during the American Edwardian era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1970 based on the crispness of the casting and the surface luster, though the pattern has been produced continuously since 1907.
Cultural Significance
Francis I was often selected as the official silver for US Embassies and is considered the 'gold standard' for traditional American wedding registries in the mid-20th century.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Minor surface micro-scratching from polishing. No deep dents or 'silver sickness' (holes in the thin silver shell) are visible in the image. Light tarnish in the crevices adds desirable depth.
Value Estimate
$400 - $800 per pair depending on specific size and age. Single candlesticks typically range from $150 - $300 at auction.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with high-quality cream like Wright's or Hagerty. Never submerge weighted pieces in water as it can rot the internal filler; keep dry and use a soft horsehair brush for the ornate crevices.
Similar Pieces
Gorham North Pacific or Wallace Grand Baroque candlesticks. Wallace pieces are often more 'airy' with more open piercing, whereas Francis I is denser and more robust.
Interesting Facts
The Francis I pattern includes 15 different fruit clusters across its pieces, meaning different pieces in the set actually have slightly different designs while remaining cohesive.