Durgin "Spray" Sterling Silver Place Spoon

At 7 1/8" long, and quite heavy, this is a large oval soup or dessert spoon. At the time of its circa 1870 manufacture, it would simply have served as a place piece. The pattern is identified as "Spray" by Hagen in her work on patterns. However, she misattributes the maker and date, so whether the name is correct is in question. Examples of this show up in coin and sterling, which this is, and sometimes it is marked and sometimes not by the maker. This happens to be stamped Wm. B. Durgin, who is the known manufacturer. The pattern features a cluster of flowers and grasses joined together in a bow, and set on a form that is quite similar to Cottage. There is an Old English "S" monogram. The condition is outstanding. There is scant polishing wear. The bowl is perfectly shaped, and free of dings, dents or burrs. The finish is appealingly lustrous.