Important Dessert Spoon by John Beck of Warrior's Mark, PA Ca. 1824-30

Offered is an important find - an early American coin silver dessert spoon by John Beck, a silversmith working in Warrior's Mark, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania around 1824-30. This information comes from Metzgar and Whisker's "Pennsylvania Clockmakers and Watchmakers Goldsmiths and Silversmiths - A Checklist". Metzgar and Whisker also cite a reference to an 1887 history of Clarion County, which notes that one John Beck was the first watchmaker there (perhaps the late 1830s to 1840s). I have found little else about Mr. Beck as yet; other men with that name working in Philadelphia and in Ohio were working too late to have made this spoon, which almost certainly dates prior to 1830. Clearly, John Beck was a talented silversmith, as this dessert spoon exceptional in form and execution, with good weight, superb engraving of the period script owner's initials, and lovely proportions. This piece measures about 6 7/8 inches in length, and weighs about 26 grams in weight. Condition is excellent, with modest wear from normal use, and no dents, splits or repairs. The maker's mark is clear and well-struck. This is the only example of Beck's work I have come across or heard of, though I haven't checked with the Huntingdon County Historical Society to see what records or holdings it may have. All in all a fine and important piece!