Nicely Decorated Late 18th Cent. Coin Silver Spoon by Matthias Lamar

Offered is a very nice 1790s Philadelphia coin silver teaspoon by silversmith Matthias Lamar (fl. 1785-1809), of whom relatively little is known. This spoon could use a polish, but is very nicely decorated all along the stem with lovely engraving and also has period block initials of SW. To the reverse is a full-name mark of LAMAR, given to Matthias by Catherine Hollan in her book "Philadelphia Silversmiths." This spoon measures about 5 1/8 inches in length and weighs about 8 grams. Condition is good overall, with three small dings to the sides of the bowl (see pictures) but no splits or repairs, and minimal wear to the engraved decoration. All in all a very nice example of fashionable Philadelphia silver of the late 18th Century!