For your consideration is a rare William Giffing of New York coin silver spoon with inscribed date of 1823. The spoon carries Giffing's mark on the backside of the neck of the spoon. The front side of the head of the spoon is period inscribed "Griffith 1823". Meanwhile, the back was inscribed at a later date "WLS 1910". This well traveled and cared for spoon is an excellent example of early American coin silver and weighs 1/2 ounce and measures 6" in length.

Reference: http://www.americansilversmiths.org/makers/silversmiths/238460.htm

William Hutton Giffing
Born: 1786, New York City NY
Marriage (1): Margaret Van Rensselaer Keating on 5 Feb 1813 in Geneva NY
Died: 3 Aug 1854, Buffalo NY

Giffing was a partner in 1809-1814 with John Sweeney in Geneva NY as GIFFING & SWEENEY. 18Advertised in the Geneva Gazette (Geneva NY), 9 Sep 1809,WATCH REPAIRING and Gold & Silversmith Business.

"WILLIAM GIFFING and JOHN SWEENY [sic] take this method to inform the public that they have taken the stand formerly occupied by Mr. TAPPAN, nearly opposite the Hotel, Geneva, where, under the firm of Giffing & Sweeney, they carry on the above business in all its branches. They will manufacture and keep constantly for sale, ladies ear-rings, finger rings, breast pins, Gold beads, silver tea and table spoons, sugar tongs, &c. which they will warrant of a superior quality, and will sell as low as can be purchased in Albany. From their knowledge of their business they feel confident that they will be able to give satisfaction to those who may favor them with their custom, and hope, by their unremitted exertions to please, to receive a share of public favor.

"Advertised in the Geneva Gazette (Geneva NY), 14 Sep 1814,Dissolution of Partnership
The Co-partnership heretofor existing under the Firm of GIFFING and SWEENEY, has expired by its own limitation. All persons indebted to the firm are requested to pay the same immediately to either of the subscribers.

WILLIAM GIFFING, jr.JOHN SWEENEY.The Watch Repairing and Gold and Silversmith Business will still be continued at the old stand by the subscribers individually.

He worked circa 1815-1830 as a silversmith in Geneva NY.He appeared on the 1850 census taken at Buffalo NY, listed as a gold and silversmith.

Provenance: From the private collection of an antiques dealer in Kerrville, Texas.

Keywords: New York artisan serving table spoon dining table kitch place setting formal dinner

Item is in excellent condition with no damage, breaks, heavy wear or repair. We have not polished this offering and will leave that to the discretion and expertise of the winning bidder. Please see all images and entire listing for more information on condition.

6 x 1 x 1 in

5 oz