C.A.W. Crosby, Boston, Three Piece 'Olive' Pure-Coin Silver Youth Set

This intact youth set is comprised of a 7 3/8" long, 1.1 T. oz., solid silver flat handle knife, a 6 3/8" long, .9 T. oz., fork, and a 5 7/8" long, .64 T. oz., spoon.

In an Olive pattern, these are all original to one another with each engraved in script lettering, "C.J.A." to "C.A.P."

The commonality of the "C.A." letters prompts speculation about whether two generations shared names.

All pieces are stamped "C.A.W. Crosby," which was a Boston retailing firm established in 1852 and with a long history. This set likely dates from the mid 1860s.

The are also marked "Pure-Coin," which was a term generally specific to New England to indicate the silver content.

In largely very good condition, these retain clear pattern detail and have warm finishes. The engraving remains crisp.

There is a faint crimp near the end of the knife blade, and the tines on the fork show slight rounding and shallow knife cuts. One outer tine also has a nearly imperceptible very old repair where it joins the heel. This spot likely suffered a crack and/or bend at one time.