345

Lot 345:c1780 Silver Spoon,Joseph Richardson

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:840.00 USD Estimated At:1,400.00 - 1,800.00 USD
Lot  345:c1780 Silver Spoon,Joseph Richardson
<b>American Revolution</b><hr><b>Colonial Silver Spoon by Joseph Richardson</b>

<b>c. 1780, Colonial Silver Spoon by Joseph Richardson, Extremely Fine.</b>
7.25” long, monogrammed “M.C.” and stamped twice on the back with the familiar “JR” hallmark. In numismatic circles, Richardson is best known for his work on the hand-engraved George Washington Indian Peace Medals. Used, but in good condition, nice and bright, with a faint patina. Extremely rare and desirable, directly connected to one of America’s greatest silversmiths.

Joseph, Jr. came from a long line of silversmiths. His father, Joseph, Sr. inherited his father’s silversmith shop in 1829 and became one of the leading silversmiths of Philadelphia. Joseph, Sr. set an example that his son was later to follow by helping organize in 1756 the Friendly Americans for Regaining and Preserving Peace with Indians and he presented jewelry to Indian leaders. Junior continued the tradition and was responsible for some of the 1793 and all of the 1795 Washington Indian Peace Medals - later, he became Assayer at the United States Mint. This circumstantial evidence indicates a close association with George Washington and David Rittenhouse, first Director of the U.S. Mint.