Beautiful Newport, RI Teaspoon by William Hookey, Ca. 1775-85

Offered is a truly lovely and well-made early American coin silver teaspoon or coffee spoon made circa 1775-85 by William Hookey (born ca. 1728, died 1812), noted Newport, Rhode Island silversmith. This piece is nicely engraved with a period script monogram of "SR" and unusually also has a period "8" above the monogram; such numbers were put on large sets of spoons to ensure that they could all be accounted for and didn't end up in someone's pocket. The "8" appears to be roughly period with the monogram. This spoon also has a good clear strike of one of Hookey's documented maker's marks. This piece measures about 5 1/4 inches in length and weighs about 13 grams. Condition is excellent overall, with minimal wear and only a few tiny bumps in the bowl; there are no splits or repairs. All in all a great example of quality 18th Century American silver from this period!