posted 02-18-2002 12:14 AM            

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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posted 02-18-2002 09:55 PM            

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.

posted 02-19-2002 10:05 AM            

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.

posted 02-19-2002 10:12 PM            

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!