Parisen, NYC , c.1800 'Fiddle Shell' Coin Silver Place Spoon x 5

The name Parisen is associated with four noteworthy 18th to early 19th century New York City silversmiths and jewelers. The senior one was Otto Paul DeParisen, born in Berlin, Germany in 1735, and the others are his three sons, Philip 1761-1822, David 1765-?, and Otto W., 1770-?

The "Parisen" mark that appears on this unusual length, 6 1/2", approximately .7 T. oz., place spoon, was apparently used by more than one of the sons (references vary about attribution).

Sharply honed, it has a Fiddle Shaped handle with a narrow, beveled edge shank.

The slightly upturned, rounded end has an applied Shell and is engraved in a fancy, feathered script "SS" monogram set sideways.

Like the handle and shank, the bowl is elongated and slender, and ends in a pointed tip. It is without fins or shoulders and has an exposed thumb drop on the backside.

Likely dating from either side of 1800, and superbly crafted, there are five of these available and they are all in remarkably fine condition, especially so given their age. They show no wear or damage, have flawless bowls that are free of tip wear or dents, and they exhibit brilliant finishes.