Reichel, San Francisco, "Olive" Coin Silver Shell Bowl Preserve Spoon

This mid 1850s piece is stamped with a three part, "bust, letter, lion" pseudo hallmark and the name "E. Benjamin," for the New Haven, Connecticut jeweler, Everard Benjamin, son of well-known silversmith Barzilli Benjamin.

An olive variant which incorporates what may more accurately be interpreted as anthemion or honeysuckle portraiture, this design is attributed in Silver in the Golden State to the San Francisco firm of Frederick R. Reichel, and identified by the name Olive.

In a 1999 posting on smpub.com, however, researcher Brent Haynes makes a compelling case for attributing this design to John Cole of New York City, which geographically correlates closely with the retailer. (San Francisco firms of the 19th century were known to source much of their product from Eastern manufacturers.)

This example is a 7 1/4" long, just under 1.1 T. oz., coin silver preserve spoon with an elongated shell bowl.

It is engraved "A. Treat" set sideways in script on the handle.

In choice condition, this is without wear or damage and shows a bright overall finish. The bowl is free of dents, bends, or burrs, while the design detail remains well-defined.