Twambley & Cleaves 'Tipt Engraved' Coin Silver Table Serving Spoon x 2

This 8 5/8" long, 1.2 T. oz., piece is a choice example of 1860s silver.

A table serving spoon, it is marked "Coin" and "Twambley & Cleaves" for the Biddeford, Maine, jeweler and silver retailer.

The handle is a Pointed Antique with a Tipt end. The surface is finely bright cut engraved in a period acanthus leaf design with a reserve area that is inscribed with a cursive "H" monogram.

The backside is plain save for the marks.

As noted, this is a quality item produced to a high standard and in exceptionally fine condition. It is absent any wear or damage and shows a brilliant finish.

Sidebar:there may be some social commentary implicit in this piece.

Twambley & Cleaves was formed from two separate firms, one operating, respectively, in Saco, and the other in Biddeford, Maine, in the third quarter of the 19th century. These are twin (small) cities flanking either side of the Saco River. Biddeford was the working class, industrial, center, and Saco the place where the owners and managers of the Biddeford mills tended to live.

Given the refinement and obvious quality of the piece, it was likely owned by a prosperous family from the Saco side of the river, and would have represented something aspirational for a Biddeford resident at the time.