Gorham "Imperial" Coin Silver Coffee Spoon

Gorham's "Imperial" is a mid 19th century design that is rarely ever marked. This 4 11/16" long, relatively heavy .4 T. oz., coffee spoon, however, is stamped "Coin." Wood & Hughes had a counterpart design that seems always to have been marked "WwH." The patterns so closely parallel each other that they are nearly indistinguishable unless set alongside one another. The design has leafy elements that are reminiscent of "Olive," but overall "Imperial" is more complex. The shank of the handle is twisted and the end has notches. This piece is engraved "E.L.B." in Old English lettering. The bowl has a matte finish on the interior, is rather broad, and comes to something of a pointed end. The piece is in unworn condition. The attachment between the bowl and handle is a bit crude, but given the early date of manufacture, soldering techniques were no doubt still coming into their own. Marks are the aforementioned word "Coin," and a star, which is likely a journeyman's mark.