In her work, "Silversmiths of Lancaster, Pennsylvannia, 1730-1850," Vivian Gerstell describes Charles Hall (1742-1783) as a "prominent citizen as well as silversmith." She further remarks that he "played a prominent role in Lancaster during the Revolution. In 1774, he was a member of the Committee of Correspondence and of the Committee of Observation." This modest, and rather primitive looking, small spoon bears his identified "C...

Documented as working in Frankford, Pennsylvania c. 1800-20, and subsequently in nearby Philadelphia, Isaac Reed was the maker of this 6 3/4" long, 1.1 T. oz., pair of coin silver tongs. In addition to having his personal mark, "I. Reed," imprinted on the inside of each arm, they carry what John McGrew describes in his work on pseudo hallmarks as the "Philadelphia eagle." The style suggests a date from early in his career...

There are a surprisingly large number of coin silver makers with the surname of Griswold. Marked simply with that name, this one was likely produced by Gilbert, born 1788 and worked in Middleton and later Portland, Connecticut, including c. 1820 in partnership with his brother William. This is a straightforward "Tipt End," 6" long, not quite .5 T. oz., teaspoon. It has a feathered script "LH" monogram on the backside...

The immediate presumption is that the maker of this piece was Ebenezar Phelps of Northampton, Massachusetts, based on the "Phelps" stamped on the reverse. The early 19th century style would correspond with that attribution as well, given Ebenezar's dates were 1766 until at least 1830. However, there is a second imprint which is a multi-point star. McGrew illustrates this in his work on pseudo hallmarks, and attributes it in one instance to S...