4 Antique 19th Century Spoons William Wise Brooklyn Coin Silver Gorham Sterling

Description

Lot of four antique mid 19th century spoons - three tipped silver plate spoons with initials TVMEH crafted by William Wise circa 1850s, and one ridged sterling silver teaspoon by Gorham.

"William Wise was born 1 May 1814 in England. He apprenticed circa 1832 to Samuel Smith in Brooklyn, NY. His master retired in late 1833 and Wise purchased the stock and trade of his shop at 79 Fulton Street. He worked from 1834-1904 as a jeweler and watchmaker in Brooklyn, NY. William married Amanda Pelletreau on 31 Dec 1838. He appeared on the 1900 census taken at Brooklyn NY, listed as a retail jeweler, living in his son Alfred's household. He died on 10 Dec 1903." (Source: American Silversmiths)

"Gorham Silver was founded in Providence, Rhode Island, 1831 by Jabez Gorham, a master craftsman, in partnership with Henry L. Webster. The firm's chief product was spoons of coin silver. The company also made thimbles, combs, jewelry, and other small items. In 1847 Jabez retired and his son, John Gorham succeeded him as head of the company. John Gorham introduced mechanized production methods, enlarged the premises in downtown Providence, improved the designs, and expanded the product line. In 1865, the Rhode Island legislature granted a charter in the name of Gorham Manufacturing Company. During the heyday of American silver manufacturing, approximately 1850–1940, Gorham was highly influential. The company has produced matching hollowware in both sterling and silverplate. In 1906, Gorham purchased another long-time rival, New Jersey-based Kerr & Co. In 1924, the company absorbed the Whiting Manufacturing Company. Textron purchased the company in 1967, followed by Dansk International Designs in 1989, the Brown-Forman Corporation in 1991, and finally to Lenox Group in 2005. In 2009 Lenox Group was acquired by Clarion Capital Partners and now operates under the name Lenox Corporation." (Source: Wikipedia)

Condition

Good Overall - Tarnish; damage to one spoon bowl edge

Dimensions

6.25" x 1.25" (Length x Width) / Sterling Weight - 22.8 g