S.P. Bell 'Tipt' Coin Silver Teaspoon Possibly Southern x 5

This 6" long, coin silver, teaspoon is one of five matched pieces that weigh .55 T. oz. (17 grams) each.

It has a Tipt end handle with something of a Fiddle shaped shank with tall, narrow and beveled, fins off the bowl, and a pointed end bowl. The backside heel has a plain drop.

This one, along with the other four, has a fancy, feathered script, "SEA" monogram set sideways on the handle front.

Marked "Coin" on the reverse, it is also stamped "S.P. Bell," who was likely the retailer.

The mark is teasingly elusive in that there is a Samuel Bell documented from Knoxville, Tennessee, later San Antonio, Texas, but no sources identify this mark as his, nor is he listed with a middle initial. Other alternatives do not seem to exist either.

Dating from the second quarter of the 19th century, the style is "not Northern," and in fact does closely match some other Samuel Bell spoons shown online from an auction house, so it could have Southern or Midwestern origins, but this is all inferential based on the design.

What is evident, however, withstanding the lack of attribution, is that this is a well-crafted piece executed by a skilled hand and is in excellent condition. It is without bends, dents, burrs or other wear and has a well-shaped bowl. The engraving remains crisp, and the patina is bright and well-aged.