Rare Winchester, VA Tablespoon by William L. Campbell w/Full Name Mark

Offered is a quite rare example of the full name mark of Winchester, Virginia silversmith William L. Campbell (b. 1759 - d. 1815). This piece measures about 8 3/4 inches in length and weighs a good 55 grams. It bears a period engraved monogram of "B" to the handle, and has a clear maker's mark that is quite distinctive. A teapot in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture bears the same mark. According to the Museum, William L. Campbell, the father of noted silversmith Thomas Boyle Campbell, came to Winchester from Scotland before 1785, but returned for some time to Scotland, only to make it back to Winchester by 1810, where he worked until his death in 1815. This piece would certainly fit the 1810-15 period, or perhaps even a bit earlier. Condition overall is fair, with some tip wear but with no splits or repairs. All in all a great example of early Southern coin silver and of this rare maker's mark and work!