Set of 3 numbered tsps by John Gibbs, Providence

Pointed-end handles, c1790 -- brightcutting and roulette work half way down handles, pointed drops, short reverse rib, feathered script mono F L in cartouche under numbers 3, 5 & 6; 5-3/8" in length. Condition is mint. Why were spoons numbered? Two possible reasons: 1) individual spoons were assigned to each person in the household, and 2) to identify the missing silver in case of theft. Interestingly, most, if not all, numbered spoons made by American smiths that we've seen came from Rhode Island - Newport and now Providence.