1773–1790 Smith Bailey of East Windsor, CT American Coin Silver Tablespoon – Engraved “C/H*L” (Hezekiah Chaffee)

$1,800.00
Important 18th-century American coin silver tablespoon by Smith Bailey of East Windsor, Connecticut, dating to circa 1773–1790. This heavy gauge example displays a classic New England form with an upturned terminal, a well-defined midrib spine, and an elongated ovoid bowl, all indicative of quality workmanship from the Revolutionary era. The spoon bears an exceptionally clear and well-struck “S:BAILEY” mark in a rectangular cartouche, a desirable feature that firmly attributes the piece to Bailey, who commenced business in 1773 near Landlord Bissell’s Tavern on Old Main Street, a property later associated with noted clockmaker Daniel Burnap. Of particular significance is the engraved monogram “C/H*L” in period block initials, a format typically used to denote marriage and shared ownership. Based on stylistic, geographic, and genealogical evidence, the engraving is strongly believed to refer to Hezekiah and Lydia Chaffee, adding a compelling layer of personal and historical context. The spoon stands as a fine and evocative example of early American silver, combining strong form, a crisp maker’s mark, and probable attribution to a specific 18th-century couple, making it especially appealing to collectors of New England silver and those with an interest in early American family history. Hezekiah Chaffee was a physician in East Windsor, Connecticut, and is associated with a late 18th-century house that has been preserved. The building commonly referred to as the Chaffee House is maintained today by the East Windsor Historical Society, and it is interpreted as an example of period domestic life in the region. Check out some of my other sterling silver flatware here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=7399760 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP
Important 18th-century American coin silver tablespoon by Smith Bailey of East Windsor, Connecticut, dating to circa 1773–1790. This heavy gauge example displays a classic New England form with an upturned terminal, a well-defined midrib spine, and an elongated ovoid bowl, all indicative of quality workmanship from the Revolutionary era. The spoon bears an exceptionally clear and well-struck “S:BAILEY” mark in a rectangular cartouche, a desirable feature that firmly attributes the piece to Bailey, who commenced business in 1773 near Landlord Bissell’s Tavern on Old Main Street, a property later associated with noted clockmaker Daniel Burnap. Of particular significance is the engraved monogram “C/H*L” in period block initials, a format typically used to denote marriage and shared ownership. Based on stylistic, geographic, and genealogical evidence, the engraving is strongly believed to refer to Hezekiah and Lydia Chaffee, adding a compelling layer of personal and historical context. The spoon stands as a fine and evocative example of early American silver, combining strong form, a crisp maker’s mark, and probable attribution to a specific 18th-century couple, making it especially appealing to collectors of New England silver and those with an interest in early American family history. Hezekiah Chaffee was a physician in East Windsor, Connecticut, and is associated with a late 18th-century house that has been preserved. The building commonly referred to as the Chaffee House is maintained today by the East Windsor Historical Society, and it is interpreted as an example of period domestic life in the region. Check out some of my other sterling silver flatware here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=7399760 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP