Often referred to as "snuff spoons," they may also have been intended for use in children's play. We'll stay safe and simply call them miniature.
The gilt, ruffled bowl is a tour-de-force of Victorian era engraving. Please see our third enlargement for a better view.
We've owned many similar tongs over the years, but these are distinguished by the cross hatched detail inside the grasping area, which is both pleasing to the eye and practical for levitating your ice cubes.
$650.00
$190.00
Collecting early American silver does not have to be an overly expensive proposition, although you could also find similar spoons on ebay (item 274673082801) @195.00 each!
$150.00
$80.00
Notable as birthplace of Brigham Young, the town was a mere thirty years old when these spoons were made. We marvel a bit that such a small, rural spot could support its own silversmith, and can't help but suspect that he dabbled in other trades.
On Hold
This mark is commonly given to Saunders Pitman, but we are not so certain that it is his. For example, though the Met attributes a cream jug in their collection (accession number 33.120.311) to Saunders, some might consider this attribution to be problematic, since he'd been dead for a good solid forty years when it was made.
Other reasonable possibilities would include John K...
Marked only "coin," back in the day we would have hastened to read through many musty issues of "Silver Magazine" in order to find the maker of this fine ladle, but now, in our dotage, we will leave this task to you, dear reader.
$175.00
We often speak of the "hallmarks" on American silver, but it is worth noting that very few pieces are actually hallmarked. This one bears the Baltimore assay office stamps commonly associated with 1824.
$90.00
These are substantial and well made spoons, weighing in at 4.69 oz. Troy, the lot. The overall condition is excellent. Whether any of this lends them a premium over the silver value, or whether they'll be swallowed up by the smelter's gaping maw remains to be seen...
$395.00
There is slight tip wear from right handed use, a few minor insults to the bowl (including a scratch, reverse), and significant wear to the monogram "B / E * E". On the whole, however, this spoon presents itself well. To quote Quimby in American Silver at Winterthur, "Stoutenburgh left a small body of high quality work"...
$40.00
Roswell Hopkins Bailey was born in Unity, NH on July 22, 1804. At or near the time this spoon was made, he served as master to two apprentices: first Samuel Philbrick Bailey, then Bradbury Melon Bailey...
$1,250.00
Those with long memories will recognize this as the same mug which sold at Charlton Hall, June 14 2009, (lot 730) for 1725.00. Please take a moment to look at those catalogue photos (see fifth enlargement), and you will notice a few dents and some surface abrasion presumably due to improper cleaning with steel wool...