Richards & Williamson Birdback Coin Silver Tablespoon

This long, 9 1/4", and moderately heavy, 1.8 T. oz., birdback spoon has Philadelphia orgins. It is stamped "Richards & Williamson" whose working dates are listed as 1797-1800. The particular design on this warrents comment in Donald Fennimore's "Flights of Fancy." He notes die similarities in this bird as it appears on work by this pair of makers, Joseph Lownes, Harvey Lewis, and Joseph Smith (page 18, figure 24). This is in very good condition. It has a clear "E+H" block style monogram on the reverse. The bird is softened from wear, but the essential details remain quite legible. The bowl is well-formed, with no tip wear, although there is slight dimpling in the base.