Vanderslice, San Francisco, Coin Silver 'Fiddle Thread' Pie Server

Dating circa 1860, this 9 1/4" long, solid weight at 2.4 T. oz., pie server is an early example of California (coin) silver.

It is stamped on the handle backside, "Vanderslice & Co. S.F. Cal." for the firm established in 1858 which, as recounted in Silver in the Golden State, became "the longest lived of the nineteenth-century San Francisco manufacturing firms," suggesting that this piece, unlike much California silver of the period, was regionally produced.

The handle is a French Thread aka Fiddle Thread pattern, which has never been monogrammed or inscribed.

At 4 3/4" long by 2 1/2" at the widest, the blade is somewhat elongated and narrow compared to the usual proportion of such pieces.

It has upraised and scalloped shoulders, while the surface is extensively engraved in a design that includes a spray of flowers. Tulips, morning glories, lilies of the valley and roses can be distinguished among them.

In very fine condition, this is in essentially original estate condition, absent any evident wear or damage, and showing a soft patina.