John A. Cole NYC Six Choice Heavy Coin Silver Place or Dessert Spoons

These six matching, heavy at 7.6 T. oz. the group, spoons all measure 7 1/8" long and are marked "John A. Cole" along with a "bust, lion, D" hallmark that John McGrew in Manufacturers' Marks on American Coin Silver attributes to an unknown New York City manufacturer.

McGrew offers dates 1841-59 for John A. Cole, New York City, as does Louise Belden in Marks of American Silversmiths and both sources indicate he was a manufacturer as well as jeweler, although these were likely only sold by him.

Handsome items, they have Tipt handles that are engraved with "PAW" monograms in fine feathered script on the fronts. The pointed end bowls have exposed thumb drops on the backsides and high, rounded, fins at the joins with the handles.

They have brilliant, hand polished only, finishes, which show some softening of the monogram details.

Without bends, dents, bowl tip wear, or other damage, these coin silver pieces comprise a rarely found, intact, choice condition, set of utilitarian sized period place--dessert or soup in today's usage--spoons.