posted 10-31-2004 06:42 PM            

Hi,

I'm new.

I've recently received this as a gift from my great-grandmother, and I'm not sure what to make of it.

It's a tall, 12", Silver plated stand, it holds a large 12" diameter bowl. The stand is intricate, with geometric handles that look vaguely art Deco, the stand circles under the bowl with flowing lines and there are four medallions on each of the four sides. Then comes out from directly under the center of the bowl with four legs moving outward from the center. in between the four legs is a silver ball platform upon which a dancing girl, looking vaguely art nouveau stands. Underneath the silver ball is a sharp point and then the legs move outward with lots of flowery scroll work and finish in Lion's head feet. The mark says "MF'D & Plated by Reed & Barton" and there's a number which says 2170 (or perhaps 217 D)

Of course I searched "Reed & Barton" and found out some stuff, but nothing concrete.

I'm guessing I have a fairly rare piece simply because I haven't been able to search anything remotely similar and my piece is really VERY beautiful. It looks sort of transitional between art nouveau and Art Deco which would set it at What Time? 1920's? How could I find out the year it was made?

If anyone has any inkling of what it could be (My grandma says a compote dish, but she's not sure) how I could find out more about it, I would appreciate it!

Thanks