Rare coin Persian-head ladles, c.1860.

A magnificent and very rare pair of coin silver gravy ladles by Albert Coles of New York,NY. Each comprises a large round bowl with a flared rim attached amid an elaborate display of floral tendrils to a curved hexagonal stem, topped by a large and well-formed head of a Persian warrior. Although unmarked they are identical in form and construction to Item NSN40. Albert Coles was listed as a silversmith in the New York City directories from 1836 to 1880, after which his business was sold out to George Shiebler. To quote form D. Rainwater, he had "a large factory and the silver was sold to numerous retailers who, in turn, stamped their own names on pieces that Coles had actually manufactured". In very good condition. Slight surface scratching to the gold-wash in the bowls. Dimensions: 8.25" long, 2.63" diameter bowls.