Illinois Coin Silver Spoon by Edward H. Goulding of Alton, c.1852-70

Offered is a rough but scarce American coin silver teaspoon bearing the mark of Alton, Illinois jeweler and watchmaker Edward H. Goulding, whose biographical information appears below. This is a rare mark, and the only example I've seen of it. This spoon should date to the 1852-70 period, and probably 1865 or earlier. It features a clear strike of Goulding's mark and a period engraved script monogram. This piece measures about 6 inches in length and weighs about 14 grams. Condition is fair at best, with lots of dings to the bowl and bends to the handle, including a crease at the end of the handle, but with no splits or repairs. All in all a good example of this scarce Alton, Illinois coin silver mark!

Per the Madison County,IL GenWeb site (https://www.facebook.com/madison.ilgenweb/posts/founder-of-goulding-jewelers-diessource-alton-telegraph-june-27-1895124-years-ag/2438053309566667/):

FOUNDER OF GOULDING JEWELERS DIES Source: Alton Telegraph, June 27, 1895 124 years ago

At midnight last Wednesday, Edward H. Goulding passed away after an illness of about one month. Mr. Goulding was taken ill May 25th, with what afterwards developed into jaundice, and has been confined to his bed, with the exception of the first few days, since that date.

Mr. Goulding’s name has been associated with Alton’s business interests for nearly or quite 45 years. During all that time he has been known as honorable and upright, progressive and energetic. He has won success, accumulated a competence, and inspired the respect and admiration of all who have had dealing with him.

Mr. Goulding was born in Grafton, Massachusetts, November 16, 1827. While employed in a jewelry store in Boston, at the age of 15, he and a fellow employee bought a telegraph instrument and learned telegraphy. Operators at that time were much in demand in the West. Before he was 21, he went to Cairo, Illinois to take a position as an operator. From there he went to Kansas City, Missouri, and from there he came to Alton where he settled, starting a jewelry store, which profession he had learned in Boston.

He began business by the purchase of David E. Brown’s stock, removing it to the one-story row of buildings on Third Street, occupying the one now used by Miss Roach. He has continued steadily in the jewelry business since that date. Occupying for a time a store in Root’s building on Belle Street, and from thence to the present location, which he has occupied for 23 years.

Besides his wife, Mr. Goulding leaves three sons, Edward P. and Frank N., of Chicago, and Charles Leroy “Roy” of Alton. He has also two brothers in Massachusetts, Charles F. of Peabody, and Lorenzo H. of Grafton. He also has a sister living in West Millberry, Massachusetts. ******

NOTES: The funeral of Edward H. Goulding was held in his home on Prospect Street, with David R. Sparks, J. J. Brenholt, E. P. Wade, Samuel Pitts, George Cutter, and Ellis Barnard serving as pallbearers. He was buried in the Alton City Cemetery. The original Goulding Jewelers, which opened in 1852, was located on Third Street. Later locations include Belle Street, the northwest corner of Piasa and Third (where Vogue’s was), Third Street (where Towata Art Gallery is), and the southwest corner of Third and Piasa (where Jupiter’s Discount Store was). His sons, Edward P. and Roy L., took over the business after their father’s death.

The Goulding family owned and operated the business for three generations, until selling the business to Vaughn Oberlink. Oberlink became the watch repairman for Gouldings, and bought the business in 1972. His son, David, later became owner. Gouldings moved to 219 E. Center Drive in Alton, and closed in 2017, after 165 years of business.