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Coin Silver Spoon by J.J. Low & Co. | Sterling Silver202 of 923 |  |  |
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Posted 6 months ago
BHock45
(447 items)
Here is a spoon by J.J. Low & Co who worked in Boston from 1828-1839. More about his life:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~silversmiths/makers/silversmiths/133911.htm
This is also monogrammed "H", but this spoon has sharper shoulders....could be a little earlier than my previous post?
Good night everyone!
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Sterling Silver SpoonsAs the oldest type of flatware, spoons have existed in some form or another…
Glory!!!
mikkoChristmas11, vetraio50, and mustangtony thanks!!!
Thanks for the post BHock45. Why was coin silver work so prevalent in the States as apposed to say England?
Hey Hems303, thanks for the comment. I guess everyone has differing opinions, but I think the main reason is the lack of regulations. In Great Britain the .925 Standard of Fineness was laid down in 1238 and came to be known as Sterling, which I am sure you know already ;). In the U.S. it was not until 1907 that the US formally adopted .925 as the Standard of Fineness for Sterling.
In addition, until the opening of the Comstock Lode in 1859 there were no silver mines in the United States of any significance. Before that nearly all silver in the US first came as either a finished product -- bowl, candlestick, spoon, or whatever -- or as a silver coin or bar. Most all silver imports were of European manufacture (http://reviews.ebay.com/EARLY-AMERICAN-COIN-SILVER-A-BRIEF-HISTORY?ugid=10000000007006141).
Also what this guide goes on to say, which I find interesting, is that like now silversmiths would buy silver products from the public. The reason really early American pieces are so hard to find is because an 1700's spoon would have been melted and made into an 1800's spoon. When Tiffany and Gorham started striving to be like English silversmiths coin silver was ended. Interesting story. Take care!
BHock45...Thanks for that. That answers the question. Spot On! Thanks
Steve
Hey Steve! No problem, thanks for commenting! Have a great one!!
Also, most of the sterling or pure silver would have to been imported from England and Spain so it was a lot more cost effective to melt coins to make items and also remelt older items. The US passed a law in 1837 that coins were to be .900 fineness.