About Michelle Lieberman Expertise My expertise is in the area of American sterling silver and coin silver flatware and holloware, including identifying silversmiths and makers, types and patterns of flatware and their usage. I am unable to answer questions pertaining to silverplate or foreign silver.
Experience With over 25 years experience in selling vintage silver, I now devote much of my time educating others in this field.
Education/Credentials BA California State University Los Angeles
Question I have been asked by an elderly relative to determine the value and possible sale; Reed & Barton King Francis I, service for 8, includes extra service utensils and storage cabinet.
How do I value the set, and where do I go should my relative decides to sell the set?
Thank you / Sheri
Answer Hello Sheri.
There is a King Francis pattern, which is silverplate, and a Francis I pattern, which is sterling. I'm assuming here you've got the Francis I pattern.
Value is determined by the number of place settings plus extra place pieces and serving pieces. The going price for a 4-piece place setting (knife, fork, salad fork, teaspoon) is about $160. A 5-piece place setting (add a soup spoon) is about $225. Basic serving pieces can run anywhere from $25 to $100, and go much higher for fancy serving pieces such as an asparagus fork.
A good high-end auction is probably the best place to sell the set. If your relatives are in a large city, it should be easy to find one. If not, there are some very good companies online. I don't normally recommed selling sterling on eBay, but that might also be a good way to go as the Francis I pattern always gets good prices there.
