Fessenden, Providence RI, 'Engine Turned' Coin Silver Pie Server

Founded in Providence, Rhode Island, by William B. Fessenden (who had a prior working history in Boston with various and New York City with Whiting) in 1858, the firm that bore his name was one of numerous silver manufacturers located in the Providence to North Attleboro, Massachusetts corridor, all anchored by Gorham. Given this concentration of industry, there was a body of skilled workers in the area available to Fessenden, which enabled it to produce quality items from its onset.

This example of the firm's work is an 8 1/8" long, 1.45 T. oz., pie server. It is an early production item marked "Coin" and "Fessenden," which are rarely found identifiers for this source.

Very much a period piece, it has a notched handle and a triangular blade with cupped and scalloped edge shoulders. The front surfaces of both handle and blade show bright cut engraving set against an engine turned background.

Given this dates to the earliest years of Fessenden's operation, and that the worked is sophisticated and required expensive engine turning equipment to effect, raises the question of whether Fessenden sourced this in whole or in part from Gorham, which was already producing similar items in the same time frame.

There is an open band engraved with a "J.E.P." script monogram incorporated in the design on the handle.

The backside of the piece is plain save for the marks.

In flawless condition, this is free of polishing wear, bends, nicks, or tip wear to the blade, and has a bright, even, finish.