Coin Silver Gravy Ladle - Star/Lion/D Hallmarks

[porklion]

We are looking for information on the manufacturer of this ladle. It is approximately 7 1/2" long and has a partially twisted handle. It is marked with three hallmarks in octagonal "frames", consisting of a five-pointed star, a walking lion (?) with raised tail and the letter D. The ladle was found at an estate auction in the Hudson Valley.


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[wev]

One of the numerous and anonymous New York state wholesale manufacturers. A few people claimed to have figured out which is who, but it's all just guesswork and I don't believe them.
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[2209patrick]

Rainwaters 4th edition attributes your mark to John L. Westervelt of Newburgh, New York. In 1854 he opened his silver manufacturing business and continued to manufacture silverware until his retirement in 1904. He did have a retail business also.
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[wev]

Indeed and another excellent reason not to believe everything you read.
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[admin]

Hi Wev,
McGrew also attributes this mark to Westerveldt and cites Soeffing and Belden as the sources. Don't know what hard evidence any of them has and think it likely that some conjecture is involved, but I'm curious as to your reasons for complete dismissal.

Regards, Tom
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