Pair of Teaspoons by Edward Lang, Salem, Mass., c. 1780

Fine pair of coin silver teaspoons by Edward Lang (1742-1830) of Salem, Massachusetts, who worked as a silversmith from 1768 to 1793 when he became a schoolmaster. These spoons have a downturned spatulate handle with tipt back. This form and the block monogram would indicate a date about 1780. There is a nice rounded drop and a nine-lobed shell in particularly good condition. The mark, also, is very crisp and clear (mark 'a" on page 264 of Marks of American Silversmiths in the Ineson-Bissell Collection by Louise Conway Belden). Condition is very good with very little tipwear; they have the hefty feel of well-wrought silver. Length is 5 1/4 inches.