Farrington & Co. 'Fiddle Tipt' Set of Four Sterling Silver Teaspoons

Matching pieces, each of these four silver teaspoons measures 5 3/4" long, with the set weighing 1.64 T. oz.

The pattern is Fiddle Tipt which is a mid 19th century design. Each one is engraved with a fancy, feathered script, "A. R." monogram set sideways on the handle front.

These are marked "Sterling" when coin would be expected for this style, so whether they are early sterling examples, or later production pieces of an older design is uncertain.

That is one of two minor perplexities about this set. The other is the maker's or retailer's name, which is "Farrington & Co." References do not offer a clear identification, although one of two possibilities with appropriate dates is likely.

One is "Farrington & Hunnewell," which was a major firm in Boston. The second is "Billings Stowell Farrington," who was a prominent jeweler in Woonsocket, an industrial city in Rhode Island.

In exceptionally fine condition, absent damage or evident wear, possessing perfectly formed bowls, and showing bright finishes, these remain appealing, well made, New England period pieces that could yet serve as attractive table items.