Vanderslice & Co., San Francisco, Twist Handle Coin Silver Berry Scoop

One of the earliest names attached to California silver, Vanderslice & Co., dates to the late 1850s. Unlike many subsequent San Francisco firms which sourced much or most of their goods from Eastern manufacturers, Vanderslice was a primary source from its founding in 1857/58.

As recounted in Silver in the Golden State, Vanderslice & Co. became "the longest lived of the nineteenth-century San Francisco manufacturing firms."

This piece is a 9 1/4" long, 2.54 T. oz., coin silver berry scoop or shovel dating c. 1860, early in the history of the company.

It has a twisted handle shank leading to an oval, notched edge, slightly upturned, pedimented tip, end that is bright cut and wriggle work engraved.

To be sure, this is in the style of some New York and New England produced silver of the period, but Vanderslice simply could have been representing current fashion in the design of this piece.

The bowl is singular, with a rounded end and high, curved shoulders that drop off quickly into a deep base.

The interior is engraved in a leaf and scroll motif set against a finely detailed background that imitates engine turning.

The handle is inscribed with an Old English "A.E.P." monogram set sideways.

The backside of the piece is plain save for the marks, which are "Vanderslice & Co. S.F. Cal."

This is in very fine condition. Apart from a bit of softening of the engraved detail, there is no wear or damage whatsoever. The bowl is without bends, dents, nicks, or scuffs, and the overall finish shows a bright patina.