George and Porter Blanchard Handmade A&C Sterling Silver Teaspoon

George Blanchard, along with sons Porter and Richard, represent a dynasty within the realm of American Arts & Crafts silversmithing.

With family roots in Gardner, Massachusetts, George originally worked with Arthur Stone. Porter went on to establish one of the most well-known silver workshops in California, where the family also founded the California Society of Arts & Crafts.

The "B09 in an oval" that appears on this 6 3/16" long, .87 T. oz., teaspoon was an early mark of the partnership, with the "[19]09" representing the year the business began. This mark is thought to have been shared in common among the three men, with pieces marked P representing Porter's and R Richard's items.

This is an early, individualistic, piece. It has an upturned, rounded end, slender, Antique handle with a subtle midrib on both the front and back sides. The double ribbing is an usual detail. The surface of the handle shows hammer marks.

The bowl is narrow, comes to a pronounced pointed tip, and is planished smooth.

This is a collector's piece in that it is traces to the earliest, still formative, years of a silversmith and family that was to make a major mark in the field.

It excellent condition. The only evidences of use are light surfaces scratches consistent with age, and three or so pinprick dimples in the bowl base. The bowl is otherwise without dents, bends, or tip wear. The overall surface shows a soft patina.