posted 06-17-2002 01:35 PM            

quote:

---

Offered is a set of sterling silver or coin silver trefid teaspoons I purchased a while back from the well known early silver dealers, Schredds of Portobello, in London. Both they and I have done a lot of research on these spoons and have been able to uncover very little. We agree that they are likely Northern European with some possibility of being American. The mark on these spoons is very similar to the maker's marks of Henricus Boelen I and II. (See Belden for the marks of the Boelens). However, the age of these spoons is a matter of disagreement between us. While the experts at Schredds feel these are typical of those late 17th century provincial makers who did not use rattails in their teaspoons, I feel that the heel on these spoons points toward a date in the first quarter of the 18th century. The spoons could very well have been made to match early tablespoons. However, no one has been able to tell for sure. I cannot guarantee their age or origin, as I am just not expert enough. I can tell you that they are solid silver and are completely handmade (each spoon varies slightly in size, and the engraved decoration varies from spoon to spoon (same basic design, but when hand decorating the execution of the design varies). Each spoon has block owner's initials MB to the reverse. The bowls also vary slightly in thickness and some have slight tip wear, although nothing notable. Condition is very good on these spoons, although one does have an early repair (probably by the silversmith) to the handle or stem. This was done in matching grade silver and so is very hard to notice. These spoons vary slightly in length but on the whole measure about four and five eighths inches. The maker's mark or hallmark is a conjoined HB or possibly an IB. I have included sixteen pictures for the experts out there to evaluate, since I cannot guarantee the age or origin of these spoons, and can only offer the opinion of Schredds. This is why I am starting the auction at a very low price (much, much less than I paid). If these are 17th century the buyer will have a steal, if they are American he or she can retire. Even early 18th century would be a steal here!

(click on image to enlarge)

---

My first assumption was that they were Dutch. But the decoration on them looks uncannily similar to that on a spoon and fork by John Coney, c. 1700, in Fales's Early American Silver, fig. 54.

No, I didn't bid on them, by the way.

posted 06-19-2002 12:23 PM            

I really don't know how you can accuse him of dishonesty.