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Robert Ross Silversmith

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Author	Topic: Robert Ross Silversmith
mohonker Posts: 3 Registered: Nov 2004	posted 11-13-2004 10:46 PM Hello, If I have done my research correctly I have a Robert Ross spoon circa 1777. It has a round spoon area about 1/2 inch deep and about 2 inches across. The handle is about six inches long and ends in a five part fan shape. Has anyone heard of this maker? Thanks. IP: Logged
swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 Registered: May 2003	posted 11-14-2004 01:18 PM There was a spoonmaker by this name active in London 1773-78, but without a photograph of the marks, it cannot be certain that this is the man. IP: Logged
Silver Lyon Posts: 363 Registered: Oct 2004	posted 11-14-2004 01:39 PM Assuming that you spoon has London Hallmarks (does it have a date letter?) Robert Ross is a specialist spoon maker - he makes good quality spoons, especially teaspoons with feathered edges and 'transitional' designed tea, dessert and table spoons - which look like the traditional 'Old English', but have 'wings' on either side where the stem meets the bowl in addition to the standard 'old english' or 'hanovarian' patterns fashionable at the time. Because he is working for the most before 1781, the teaspoons are marked at the bottom of ther stem, near the bowl with just his maker's mark and a sterling lion passant - this means that there is often some confusion between his smaller pieces and those made by the much collected Richard Richardson of Chester!! According to Arthur Grimwade in 'London Goldsmiths 1697-1837', Robert Ross first registered his mark October 13th 1774 and has no recorded apprenticeship or freedom (of a London guild). The five part fan shape is called 'Onslow pattern' and should be formed as a separate piece of silver, which you can see because there will be two solder lines, one at the top and one at the bock of the stem, probably about an inch apart (for strength)-IF THERE IS NO JOINT VISABLE, OR THE JOINT RUNS STRAIGHT THROUGH, you probably have a perfectly genuine spoon which has been 'improved' at the end of the c.19th when Onslow became very popular. Sorry to be so long winded!!! Started before Stuart posted his answer - sorry for the duplication!! [This message has been edited by Silver Lyon (edited 11-14-2004).] IP: Logged
swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 Registered: May 2003	posted 11-14-2004 01:53 PM For an illustration see the thread on the Onslow pattern. IP: Logged
mohonker Posts: 3 Registered: Nov 2004	posted 11-14-2004 03:07 PM My spoon has the lion mark, the crowned leopard mark along with a small b mark. Just visible on the stem near the bowl is what appears to be the bottom of two script R's. Also the Onslow pattern spoon matches the one I have except for the bowl on my spoon being circular not oval. Thanks for the information. IP: Logged
swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 Registered: May 2003	posted 11-14-2004 06:09 PM Thanks for adding the photos. This is a fine example of why pictures are necessary for authentication. The marks look genuine and the maker does seem to be as you suggested, but, unfortunately, nothing else looks right. Silver Lyon's suggestion that an original spoon might have been altered appears to be correct - if you compare the Onslow illustration in the link given above, and read the description of the manner of making the originals, you will see that yours does not look cast; the flutings are clearly hand sculpted, and fewer in number; furthermore the round bowl looks entirely out-of-period, and appears to have been altered or added at a later date. This is not what you wanted to hear, but Onslow pieces other than larger serving pieces are extremely rare, and would always be suspect initially, pending close inspection. IP: Logged
mohonker Posts: 3 Registered: Nov 2004	posted 11-14-2004 06:45 PM Yes, I see what you mean about the differences. My spoon looks to be original though. The five piece fan shape has an added piece underneath to form the rounded bottom tips. You can see traces of the joint where the piece has been attached. Are you sure that the round bowl couldn't have been produced in this period ? Perhaps as a small serving piece. [This message has been edited by mohonker (edited 11-14-2004).] IP: Logged

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