Boston, circa 1800-1815
Coffin style handle engraved with an ornate script initial "C." Reverse marked "Revere." Length overall 9 1/4 in.; Ladle length 3 1/2 in.

Large silver tablespoon crafted by the firm of renowned silversmith and Revolutionary War patriot Paul Revere, Jr. (1734-1818). The end of the spoon’s monogramed handle features the distinctive “coffin"-style shape en vogue c. 1800-1815. The reverse of its stem bears the disjointed logotype punch "Revere," also exhibited by examples held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and indicative of the latter part of Revere Jr.’s career. A paucity of records has caused some confusion regarding Revere, Jr.’s activity in silverwork after 1797, nonetheless, the tablespoon's distinctive coffin handle design definitively dates its production before his death in 1818.

Accompanying the Revere, Jr. spoon is a 1941 letter certifying its authenticity written by expert antiquarian Edgar H. Sittig (1899-1985), whose clients included the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian National Museum of History, and the Henry Ford Museum. Sittig examined this very spoon and attested to its legitimacy. His business records are held as reference material by the Winterthur Museum, home to one of the nation's preeminent collections of early silverwork. Investigation of the Sittig archive may yield additional details regarding the provenance of this piece. 

Paul Revere, Jr. was a silversmith, engraver, and patriot during the American Revolution era. Known for his exceptional craftsmanship, his silverwork remains highly desirable some 250 years on as an enduring symbol of early American artistry. Revere, Jr. is famously remembered for his midnight ride on April 18, 1775, when he warned the colonial militia of approaching British forces. His contributions to both American history and the fine arts have made him an iconic figure, celebrated for his talent, patriotism, and indelible mark on the nation's heritage. 

Exciting acquisition opportunity both in part to the tablespoon's large size and the late date of its manufacture. Few institutions hold examples of work from the latter stage of Revere's career.

Condition: Overall fine. There are small dings in the ladle (most visible at raking light), general wear commensurate with use, and a light scuff mark about an inch below the script initial "C." Requests for additional photos can be sent to info@fleischersauctions.com.

[Revolutionary War, Colonial America, Manuscripts, Ephemera, Documents, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Society of the Cincinnati, Militaria]




[Revolutionary War, Colonial America, Manuscripts, Ephemera, Documents, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Society of the Cincinnati, Militaria]