Author Topic: Value of or any information on 1836 Silver Spoons marked "Baldwin&Cowles"  (Read 5668 times)

talesofthesevenseas

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I would like to add that the script used for the 1836 does not look like a pattern hallmark, it looks like engraving script, like what was done for the monogram. Pattern numbers are usually in a block font like the name of the silversmith is. I would not be surprised if that is in fact a date, perhaps to commemorate a special occasion like a wedding. It would not make sense for a silversmith to have a pattern number engraved, rather than just stamping it in with his maker's mark.

That said, one problem with monogrammed items is that unless they are from your own family, most people don't want someone elses initials on a piece and they can be hard to sell. Also I don't think this is necessarily a grapefruit spoon since they are serrated at the end of the bowl and they were apparently invented in the 1940's by a guy name Jack Yolles. (further research is needed to see if that info holds water). Although the shape of this one is unusually pointy, I think it is just the style. 
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kysfinest

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while searching for info on these spoons I came across this forum where they were discussing baldwin and cowles. Maybe some of the more experienced collectors can read these post and see if it will help any. In the first post there is a link to "baldwin and cowles" at the end of the post. If you click on it, it details some info about both the baldwins and the cowles.

http://www.smpub.com/ubb/Forum19/HTML/000514.html

It also mentions that Baldwin went into partnership with Jeremiah McLene, which could be the JM on the spoon??