A wonderful set of six collectible coin silver spoons, {last spoon is shown in last photograph, bottom} part of a family collection, all were used by members of the same family and have their monograms. Virtually all the silver produced in colonial America is coin silver, there was no source of silver in the colonies. The acquisition of a silver spoon by a colonist represented a significant purchase, most tablespoons made required 70 grams of silver coin, not counting payment to the silversmith.
It took 140 halfpennies or 70 half-real coins to make a single;spoon, and coinage was extremely scarce, what coin silver represents in American history is astonishing. The actual difference in silver between coin and sterling is about 25/1000ths, barely any difference at all. These spoons were made by different silversmiths, dating from 1830 to 1860. {coin silver was no longer made after 1868} They are in good to well used condition {one has been treated to little teeth on the bowl!} please see the photos.
All are a decorative piece of American history.Made by B.C. (Benjamin Cromwell) Van Vliet, Poughkeepsie, New York, 1830, .Trask & Morse, and other silversmiths, in the fiddleback, reverse fiddleback patterns. Sold in a set to keep this family heirloom together, these would look wonderful to display on a wall framed together, but they are still quite ready for "service" too. Each measures about 6" long. Monograms: C A; 3 x M C {remember that families often had sons or daughters with the same names as grandmother and mother or grandfather and father}; M J M; and E M. Condition as shown with pitting, and some have a ding to the bowl.
