posted 06-28-2004 12:51 PM            

I have 4 more pieces of American coin (?) that I could use some help identifying. I have photos of them including the marks. I have gone through Kovel and Belden and have not found satisfying matches. Thanks in advance.

1. The first piece is an 18th or early 19th century master salt spoon 3 .75" long with a down turned pointed end and a rounded drop. There is an engraved anchor on the front.

   Makers mark looks like 'AM' in rectangular cartouche. I think it may be Amos Munson from New Haven CT, page 309 in "Marks of American Silversmiths" by L.C. Belden, but I am not sure.

2. The second piece pictured is from a set of 6 spoons, each 5 7/8" long with a down turned end and a vestigial midrib on the back, and no drop. The makers mark looks like an 'FB', but may be a 'JB' or 'TB'. No marks that match closely enough to list. Could this be European? No monograms.

3. The third piece is a spoon, 4.5" long, with an upturned spatulate end and a midrib on the front and an oval drop. Block 'R*C' monogram on the back. The makers mark is 'GM' in a rectangular cartouche. Again, no makers that match closely enough.

4. The bottom photo is of a condiment ladle 5.25" long. down turned fiddle handle reverse tipped, with small shoulders and an ovsl drop. No monogram. The makers mark is stamped 3 times and looks like 'RWC'. No matches in my American silver books. May be Chinese for the American market?

Thanks for the help.

Respectfully,

Marc Cutcher

posted 06-28-2004 08:27 PM            

Number three goes unidentified in Flynt & Fales, but has been tentatively attributed to Gideon Myrick by Patricia Kane in her book on colonial Massacusetts silversmiths. I have three spoons with the same mark. I'll get some more details for you shortly.

Number two looks European to me, probably German or Scandinavian.

I believe Number one is indeed Amos Munson, but I leave it to WEV to expound upon.

Number four is very interesting, and will bear further research!

posted 06-29-2004 11:11 AM            

I think the first one may be Scottish or by a silversmith of Scottish origin: The molded short crescent drop is found on Scottish spoons of the period, and the mark, although unclear, looks like it may not be AM, but AMc (with the small c in the upper or superscript position). Can you clarify that by observing it under differing angles of illumination, or by breathing moisture on it and watching as it evaporates?

I agree with Brent that the second mark has a Continental flavor - the form of the letters F and B appear in European marks of Scandinavian or North German origin.

Brent has successfully nailed the third.