Remarkable Baldwin & Jones Shell End Coin Tablespoon

This coin silver tablespoon is an outstanding item, with several distinguishing features. It was made by the short-lived Boston partnership of Baldwin & Jones, the later name having an especially long lineage in Massachusetts silversmithing. According to Flynt & Fales, Jabez Baldwin died in 1819 at the age of 42, so his tenure was foreshortened. This piece is 8 7/8" long, and just over an astonishing 3.0 T. oz. weight. One wonders if investing a piece with this much metal in this period was a form of banking, i.e. saving an asset. Perhaps this piece was made for a person of note, and if not, the person was certainly someone of means. The only clue as to the owner is a feathered script "J" or "I" in the middle of the back of the shank. The design is a nicely formed, and quite high relief, shell end. There is an exposed drop. The condition is outstanding. Apart from the expected surface scratches, the piece is flawless. The bowl has no tip wear, and is so heavy as to be nearly immune from dents or dings, of which there are none.