Late 18th Cent. Silver Spoon w/Rare Initial Mark W*F for Wm. G. Forbes

Offered is a beat-up late 18th Century (probably 1790s) American coin silver teaspoon by noted maker William Garret Forbes, working circa 1786-1809 if not earlier and later. This spoon is in poor shape in terms of wear to the bowl, but it does have one good feature, which is the very scarce example of Forbes' initials-only maker's mark of WF with a pellet between. This is similar to but probably not one of William Faris' marks. This teaspoon is decorated in 1790s style and does not have a monogram or an obvious erasure. It measures about 4 7/8 inches in length and weighs about 10 grams. Condition is as noted, fairly rough for the bowl, and some wear to the design. The maker's mark is nicely struck and quite legible. All in all a nice 18th Century American silver spoon!