Decorative c. 1880 Unusual Pattern Sterling Silver Sugar Spoon

While the pattern on this 5 7/8" long, .9 T. oz., likely 1870s or 1880s, sugar spoon is by an unidentified maker and without a name, the design and execution bespeak a sophisticated American manufacturer, and there are enough various pieces of this that surface to confirm it was issued as a full line.

The pattern is intricate and rather courtly, in a Henry VIII or Elizabeth I manner.

The design elements include bellflowers, acanthus leaves, rosettes, beading and anthemia set out in a dense array on both sides of the handle.

There is a reserve on the front that is engraved with an embellished Old English "W" monogram.

The bowl is plain, ovoid, finished in a gold wash front and back, and relatively large at 2" long by 1 3/8" at the widest.

In essentially original condition, this is without wear or damage and shows an even finish. The bowl is flawless, absent bends, dents, or nicks, and it retains all its original gold wash.

It is marked "Sterling" on the edge of the handle. Gorham and John Wendt among other makers sometimes located their marks on the side like this, but this detail alone is insufficient to constitute an attribution.