Page 1 of 1
Help identifying a mark on a set of 6 early coin spoons
Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 3:33 pm
by spudman
Please help identify these marks on a set of 6 early coin spoons. In addition to the F or P G there is an embossed flying bird phoenix? on the verso of the bowl. The label came with the spoons. Thanks in advance.
Re: Help identifying a mark on a set of 6 early coin spoons
Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 4:04 pm
by Francais
It looks like a Philadelphia, or PA drop, and I don't off hand recognize the mark, there are a couple of candidates. Do any of the spoons have a better impression of the eagle, it would make things easier.
Maurice
Re: Help identifying a mark on a set of 6 early coin spoons
Posted: Wed May 07, 2014 4:09 pm
by Francais
Two different museums attribute the mark to Francis Garden, I have my doubts.
Maurice
Re: Help identifying a mark on a set of 6 early coin spoons
Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 11:53 am
by Francais
To tie up loose ends Spudman private messaged me with better pictures, but did not give me permission to post them??? The mark is that found on a pair of buckles in the Garvan collection at Yale. The bird back is the same as a number of spoons from Philadelphia silversmiths including Arn shown on page 275 of Hollan's book. The correct attribution should be Francis Girard, about whom little is known except for an 1817 ad. It could be he was a silversmith from St. Domingue as there are several possibilities on my checklist:
viewtopic.php?f=38&t=34577&hilit=+orfevresMaurice