Whiting "Honeysuckle" Sterling Silver Dessert Spoon

"Honeysuckle" may be the only pattern that Whiting produced in silverplate and sterling, with examples of the latter far less common than the former. This piece is a 6 7/8" long, weighty, 1.3 T. oz., dessert spoon marked "Sterling," with the Whiting logo, "Pat. App'l. For," indicating it is early in the line run, and the name of the retailer, "Hamilton Rowe & Co." The portraiture is true to life, with the honeysuckle blossoms, buds, leaves, and stems set against a stippled ground. The lower portion of the handle is lined and bordered by a crossed band on the top and a horizontal band on the bottom. The backside is plain save for the marks, and is without a monogram or removal. The condition is excellent, with only normal wear for a piece dating from 1870 or so.