John Cook Large 1860s Coin Silver Ice Cream Server

While marked "Pat. Appld. For," along with maker's name "J[ohn]. Cook," New York City, later examples of this unnamed pattern indicate the patent was actually issued in 1869, dating this some time before that.

The piece is a large, 9 7/8" long, 2.4 T. oz., die struck, coin silver server, likely for ice cream.

The "rosette and bellflower" pattern is similar to A. & W. Wood's Clematis and less closely so to an unnamed one by Michael Gibney, both contemporaneous in time and place with this.

The handle is engraved in a fancy, period, "H & B" monogram.

The flat blade is exceptionally appealing (see image 2). Also large at 4 1/2" long and 2 3/8" at the widest, it has scalloped shoulders and a raised upper edge, which is also scalloped.

The intricately rendered floral and leaf design is executed in bright cutting and engine turning.

In mint estate condition, this is without wear or damage. The pattern detail and engraving remain clear and well-defined. The blade is free of bends, nicks, or dents, and the overall finish is rich and even.