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WGS

Posts: 136
Registered: Oct 99

iconnumber posted 02-18-2002 12:14 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for WGS     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have a teaspoon with no markings on the back other than star F. & H. Star.

According to Rainwater, that must be Farrington & Hunnewell of Boston, Massachusetts. They were active as silversmiths from 1835-85.

Although there is no wear through to the base metal, this spoon feels like silverplate. (No, I haven't tried tasting it.)

Did F&H make silverplate?

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Brent

Posts: 1507
Registered: May 99

iconnumber posted 02-18-2002 09:55 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Brent     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi,

I can only speak for myself, but I have never encountered a piece of Farrington & Hunnewell plate. All of the pieces I have seen with this mark have been coin silver. A lot of F&H silver is sold as plate, though, because the marks are atypical for coin. I picked up two nice dessert spoons for $4 once, and a master butter for $5.

What makes you think your piece is plate? Just curious.

Brent

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WGS

Posts: 136
Registered: Oct 99

iconnumber posted 02-19-2002 10:05 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for WGS     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I did buy the spoon in a lot of "coin" spoons, but as you say the marking is "atypical."

In my mind, the pattern is like many in the 1890-1910 time frame rather than in the mid 19th century. (I know, 1885 is not much earlier.) For example, this spoon is a little less florid than Norfolk (1904) by Gorham and a little more florid than Lenox (1897) by Gorham.

So with the lack of identification as "coin", "900", "premium" or the like, and the modern although not modernistic pattern plus the lack of wear, I became curious (not suspicious). It is a beautiful spoon. I promise I will get a picture.

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Brent

Posts: 1507
Registered: May 99

iconnumber posted 02-19-2002 10:12 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Brent     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi WGS,

From the examples you gave, I think I can get a feel for the design of your pattern. Coin silver flatware in simple patterns like these was produced as early as the 1840s. The first flatware design patent was issued in 1844, and many manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon shortly thereafter. Your spoon may well date from as early as 1850, or even as late as 1870.

Post a picture when you can!

Brent

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