Oval form, 13-1/2" x 8-3/4", with applied twisted "rope" bands at rim and pedestal base, with rope handles at either end (see pic). This piece was never engraved and is in near-mint condition; it weighs 17 Troy oz. The date it was made is cited in the usual Gale signature; it is also marked "Sterling," an affectation of the mid-19thC, as there were no assay offices in the U.S. until about 1865.

All in mint condition -- marked with Gorham's lion, anchor and G; also marked Sterling; and "Pat./Mar. 20/1894." Length of spoons is 5-3/4". Weight is 15 T oz.

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.

Crisp and prominent foliate scroll decoration on bowl backs (see pic), featheredging extending length of handles; reverse-tipt handle ends, block mono W T on front; 4-7/8" in length. Overall condition is excellent. Beal worked in Hingham and Boston, Mass. Mark is C (pellet) B, as shown in Belden.

Benjamin Mead is cited as an Annapolis silversmith (and storekeeper, etc) by Whisker et al in "Maryland Clockmakers" and allied craftsmen. Quoted are excerpts from the Maryland Gazette of 9/11/1819, 11/11/19 and 1/11/21, which depict Mead's work. This spoon appears to be a modified coffin-end -- that is, the handle end is sliced lengthwise rather than clipped (see pic). It has square shoulders, is 8-5/8" long, and the mono is E M. Overall condition is excellent...

Teaspoon with oval-end fiddle handle, flared shoulders, feathered script mono E B on front; 5-3/8" long, excellent condition. Peabody worked first in Fayetteville, NC, beginning in 1823, and by 1836, according to B. Caldwell's "Silversmiths in Tennessee," he was working in Nashville. The shape of Peabody's fiddle is interesting -- perhaps not unique, but well formed, and an interesting shape to hold and contemplate.

Bamboo and flower pattern with Chinese ideograms, different on each fork, engraved in cartouche on front. Length is 7" and condition is excellent. NOTE: Other Chinese, Colonial India and other non-American silver available; send email for copy of 2-page list.

Front-rib tablespoon with slashed drop, feathered script mono D H L on reverse; 7-3/4" long, excellent condition. Given the script mono, we have dated this piece at 1790, rather than an earlier period when Hanoverians were in style. It is probable that Sunshing was commissioned to make a complete set of front-rib spoons with the engraving in the style of the '90s. NOTE: Other Chinese, Colonial India and other non-American silver available; send email for list.

Oval-end handle, drop, reverse tipt, feathered script mono I M G on front; 8-3/4" long. Sadtler's PS mark is shown with the Baltimore pseudohallmark eagle head. NOTE: the incised 1 and 0 shown in mark pic are believed to be museum cataloging numbers.

Brightcutting and roulette work extend two-thirds of the way down arms and around bend; square shoulders, round nips, ornate feathered script A W in cartouche on bend; 6" in length. Condition is near mint.

Newburyport and Amesbury, Mass., silversmith made these near-mint spoons around 1800. They have the classic cut-cornered handle end with a straight tapering line to the bowl, and an unusual incised pointed drop. Mono S M in in block lettering on the front. The spoons are 5-1/4" in length, and are in excellent condition, bowl tips unworn.

Pointed-end handle, large pointed drop on bowl back, block mono S + C on front of handle; 5-1/2" long. Condition is excellent, bowl tip unworn. Mark GW (see pic) is attributed to Walker.