Farrington & Hunnewell 'Olive' 'Urn of Flowers' Coin Hotcake Lifter

This 8 3/8" long, 2.0 T. oz., item is a superb example of mid 19th Boston silver work in terms of form, execution, and condition.

An Olive pattern, which was particularly popular in Boston in the period and produced with slight variation by several makers, it is marked "lion, F&H, bust," for manufacturer "Farrington & Hunnewell."

It is a hotcake, aka pancake or waffle, lifter.

Characteristic of the form, it has a 2 5/8" diameter, essentially round in this instance, flat server with scalloped edges and a pointed tip.

The surface is exquisitely bright cut in a leaf and scroll design with an engine turned background. The center of the blade is also engraved in a detailed and finely rendered, Urn (Basket) of Flowers motif.

The handle backside is inscribed "S.E.H. from H.M. & C.R.H." Presumably this represents a familial connection, perhaps parents to daughter, and may explain the exceptionally fine condition of this. As a cherished memento, it may have been little, if ever, used.

All details remain crisp and well-defined, there are no bends, nicks, burrs, or scratches, and the finish is bright and even.