Pointed-end handle, c1790 -- large and unusual oval drop with rib running through its center (see pic); reverse rib on back of handle, brightcut and roulette cartouche with feathered script mono JPA. Length is 15", round bowl is 4" in diameter, weight is 6-1/4 Troy oz. Condition is near-mint.

Made by R & W Wilson, Philadelphia, c1840 -- blade is 14-1/2" long and is in the shape of a fish, with styllized scales, gills and fins. Fork is 13-1/8" long, its 5 long tines with foliate and scroll decoration. Pattern is on both sides of the handle. Mono is a feathered script JFCC. Weight is 12.5+ T oz. Condition is outstanding throughout.

Made by Albert Coles, NYC, c1850-60 -- consisting of: 6 table (or serving) spoons - 8-1/4"; 6 forks - 7-3/4"; 6 hollow-handle knives with silver blades - 7-1/2"; 6 teaspoons - 6-1/4" long. Total weight is 30 Troy oz. The forks have a bit of tinewear, otherwise the set is in remarkably fine condition.

Pierced blade engraved with styllized scrolls, feathered script mono J E H on hollow handle. Length is 12-18". Weight is 137 grams. One dent on reverse of handle, otherwise condition is fine.

Josephine was Mary Todd Lincoln's silver pattern. This piece was retailed by Bigelow Bros. & Kennard, Boston. It is 7-1/2" in length. Note the crisp foliate decoration on the back of the bowl (see pic). Never engraved; condition is near-mint.

Set of 6 teaspoons, c1870 - pinched-waist fiddle handle, pointed shoulders, script mono L.M.S. on front; 6" long, excellent condition.

Single-struck pattern (only on one side), scalloped scimitar blade pierced with styllized birds and outline of fish with engraved scales and head; feathered script mono R M F on front; 12-1/4", mint condition.

Downturned fiddle handle, low pointed shoulders, Feathered script mono J M B on front; 8-3/4" long. Excellent condition, extended bowl tip unworn.

Made by E. Jaccard & Co., St. Louis -- at 8-7/8" in length, it is a mid-sized ladle suitable for serving soup out of a small crock, or gravy out of a large bowl, or grog out of a middlin'-sized cup, or perhaps it is an oyster ladle used to pluck the briny shellfish out of whatever they are served in. In the event, it is a neat piece, with a pinched-waist fiddle handle, high pointed shoulders and a 2-7/8" oval bowl, and engraved on the front the letters B.C.A.M.A...

William Brady marked this piece, and also marked the location of his shop. Without the town name, it would be assumed that Brady worked in NYC, as shown in the literature. This ladle has a broad downturned fiddle handle, c1820-30 -- high pointed shoulders, and a unique semi-circle drop on the bowl back. The handle is reverse tipt, and the mono is a feathered script E L. It is 9-1/2" long with a 3" oval bowl, and is in excellent condition.

Baird is listed is Hollan's "Virginia Silversmiths." He began his career as a silversmith in 1802 in Petersburg, VA; by 1806 he was plying his trade in Natchez, MS, and from 1813-38 he was working in Kentucky -- Paris, Washington and then Maysville. This piece has an 18thC-style pointed-end handle, and an interesting and unusual squared drop on the bowl back; the handle has a reverse rib. The mono on front is a shaded feathered script D P B...

Best, his 2 brothers and father were early silversmiths in Cincinnati. This spoon was made during the period he was associated with Deterly and Woodruff, from 1815-17. It has a downturnd fiddle handle, pointed shoulders, and is 9-1/2" long. This piece was never engraved. It is in excellent condition with just a touch of tipwear.