Important Set of Four Washington, DC Dessert Spoons by Bentley & Wood

Offered is an extraordinary set of four early American coin silver dessert spoons by Washington, DC silversmiths Joseph Bentley and William Wood, circa 1809. This brief partnership, conducted at the Washington Navy Yard, lasted only from December 1808 through the end of August 1809, when it was dissolved by mutual consent. Silver bearing the mark of this partnership is of course extremely rare, and this set of dessert spoons with extremely well preserved maker's marks is very likely the best surviving example of the partnership's work.

These dessert spoons each measure about 7 3/8 inches in length or a little more, and the set weighs a total of about 126 grams. Each spoon has clear, well-struck marks and a period engraved script initial "B" to the front of the handle. Condition overall is very good, with modest tip wear and some dimpling in a couple of the bowls, but no splits or repairs. All in all a wonderful and rare set of early Southern coin silver dessert spoons!

Please see my other listings for a set of three similar tablespoons which, while unmarked, have a very similar engraved "B" monogram and may have descended in the same family.