Ball, Black "Bead" Sterling Silver Nut Pick

Stamped B.B. & Co. and Sterling, this 4 5/8" long nut pick was retailed by New York's Ball, Black & Co., circa 1865. The maker might have been any of several quality producers, with William Gale being a strong possibility, as that firm produced a lot of this particular bead pattern. The piece is without a monogram, and in excellent condition. There is no polishing wear, and the pick end is free of nicks, burrs, or bends.