posted 11-21-2004 11:04 AM            

Hi all again,

Posted a question re coin silver. Now I need to possibly know the usage for 8 smallish cream soup spoons. They also have a serving spoon identical. They seem too small for soups. What would they be used for other than that?

The 8 are marked C.D. Peacock (which I think is the store where they were sold). Also marked with a mark I can't make out...an anchor and (well, it looks like a candle bent over)...and then Sterling.

The large spoon has a mark, but not initial on top. The back has a lion in profile, a leopard's head w/crown. The lower case "m" the sovereign's profile and an R.

I do not have a great book on silver flatware but it's awfully interesting.

Any info on what these are and who made them?

The experts here (from reading topics are fab!)

hallmark seems to be "RC" not RG.

Here's the last bunch showing the 8 spoons...deep bowls..bouillon spoons? They have a rather plain end with S engraved. And are the same shape and bowl as the larger one. The Peacock name seems to be slammed in these, but the lion, anchor and another mark (a fat candle?) an initial? and Sterling are carefully done.

What thinkest thou?

Thanks a lot...
Love this spoon and additional 8.

Thanks a ton
Regards,
Marla.

posted 11-22-2004 05:55 AM            

Your larger spoon sounds English. The crown on the leopards head means it is pre 1821. It sounds to me like it is London, 1787 as the next lower case "m" is not used again until 1827, by which time the crown had been removed. Unsure what the "R" is though. Are you sure there is no letter next to it which may be rubbed?

If the "R" is the date letter then the spoon is probably 1812.

posted 11-22-2004 07:50 AM            

I took a loupe and looked really carefully. There is possibly a C next to the R at the very right hand side of all the hallmarks.

It is an interesting spoon, due to the smallness of the bowl for a serving spoon (too big and deep for individual use). It is 1 and 7/8" across the bowl, about a tad over 1/2" deep and the whole spoon measures 6-3/4" there is a mark at the top of the spoon.

It looks like kind of a profile of a dragon? That sounds silly, but I can't make it out too well.

The individual spoons are 5-1/8" and 1-1/2" bowl with fairly deep bowl. These are initialed and match the silver pattern of the larger spoon. I wondered myself if they were not made at different dates, due to the way the handle is attached on the larger and it is a rounder piece attached to the bowl, on the smaller pieces, it is more of a diamond point.

Many thanks.

PS I just held one of the small spoons and it seems so small. The cream soups that I have (My mom's sterling) are longer and seem to "fit" over the finger more. I wonder if there was a special "dish" these were used for?

But isn't it all interesting and fun?
I think I've started something now!
I find I love silver! oh boy.

posted 11-29-2004 08:40 PM            

I have learned a lot in the short time on this site.

I think the small spoons are Gorham. Possibly the lion looking to the right, the anchor and the ..what the heck is it? It doesn't look anything like a G to me...it's just a thing..fat candle or ?? heaven knows. I'd love to know what anyone things of the larger spoon...what is a psudo hallmark? I spelled it wrong...but what is it?

posted 11-29-2004 09:38 PM            

Well, I'm thrilled. There is a small mark at the base of the back of ladle. One mark only,but it is there.

To hold something in my hands that has been made this far back and it is MINE! Thrilling! I would have missed this little mark if you hadn't asked if it were there. Thanks a million!

Any idea what the incised mark on front is?

Sorry to ask all these questions, but I'm sure all us dopes ask them all the time!

Regards,
mflower

posted 12-01-2004 08:39 PM            

I live in Weaverville. And yes I agree,no silver of note around, except the pieces I recently picked up. Needless to say, I am totally blown away by the one spoon. I did pick up 5 4-initial coin silver spoons too. Unusual, T. Steele (by himself..no & Son). Nice. Baby teeth marks in the bowls which doesn't bother me.

No, not much good silver around. Nor have I seen any in many years. However,I will ask for help on a silver tea/coffee pot I got about 6 months ago - no marks! It is beautifully designed and must be to a set. Initialed lovely; so must have been someone's pride and joy. Keep tuned..

I so appreciate everyone's expertise.

The old spoon (like yours) was made when George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and the like were alive....how simply incredible.

Thanks and best from Mflower.