Crested Chinese Export Silver Master Salt Spoon by Linchong/Lynchong

Offered is a rare early Chinese export silver master salt spoon in the fiddle thread and shell pattern, bearing one of the marks attributed to silversmith Linchong or Lynchong, working in Canton in the early 19th Century. This mark is in the Chait Collection book on Chinese Export Silver. This piece measures about 4 inches in length and weighs about 17 grams. It is crested but the crest is so worn it may be that an attempt was made to erase the armorial. The maker's mark and pseudo-hallmarks on the reverse are well-struck. Condition overall is fair, with some wear but no splits or repairs. All in all a nice piece of Chinese silver from about two hundred years ago!