Superb Set of Six Crested Dessert Spoons by Daniel F. Roberts, Philad.

Offered is a set of six dessert spoons by the scarce maker Daniel F. Roberts, working 1850-51 in Philadelphia, PA. This set was featured in the book "Philadelphia Silversmiths" by Catherine Hollan, and the mark on them was used for that book. This is the only example of Daniel F. Roberts' mark yet found - not surprising considering his very short working life of about a year or less. These spoons measure about 7 3/8 inches in length and weigh about 231 grams. They are each engraved with a period armorial of the bust of a goat - not sure which family or families used this crest. Each spoon has a maker's mark of D.F.ROBERTS in a serrated punch, a Philadelphia eagle pseudo-hallmark or quality mark, and a "C" journeyman's mark to the neck, perhaps for the silversmith working for Roberts, or perhaps for the engraver. Condition is superb, with very little wear and no dents, splits or repairs. All in all a superb example of crested American coin silver, and of Philadelphia silver in its heyday!