Serving spoon

1787-1788

Maker

George Smith and William Fearn (working 1786-1791)

Measurements

11-3/4 in x 2 in x 1-1/4 in

Materials

Silver

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of Hugh R. Sharp Jr. and Bayard Sharp

Accession Number

1968.834

Inscription

Four hallmarks for London, including a date letter "m" for 1787-1788, are struck into the back of the handle.

Condition Notes

The engraving on the top of the handle is worn.

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

The large spoon has an oval bowl and a long handle that curves backward near the end.  A pseudo armorial or heraldic device of floral decoration is engraved on the front of the handle.  This same engraved decoration occurs on serving spoon, accession no. 1968.883, made by a different London silversmith some five years later.  The common engraving indicates that the two spoons were a pair owned by the same person early in their history.