NNP

Six Rare Ephraim Brasher Colonial American Coin Silver Place Spoons. New York City, circa 1780; 9 inches long (each); 10.30 troy ounces (average 1.72 troy ounces each). Condition: Errant nicking and scratching, otherwise in overall good condition. The six large spoons each stamped to reverse terminals with double EB mark within square cartouches, engraved to terminals MW in period script. A one-time next-door neighbor of George Washington in New York's Cherry Hill neighborhood, Ephraim Brasher ranked among the notable New York gold and silver smiths. He was an assayer, gold regulator, and respected local politician. Note: The usage of the double EB mark with a square cartouche has been under discussion by academics as possibly relating to another early American silversmith. The present examples, like all Brasher spoons in this sale, are offered with a firm Brasher attribution as the marks use a serif with a distinct triangular point to the lowest arm of the E, typical of his two-letter mark and commensurate with that found on his most recognizable pieces including his Brasher Doubloons. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15058, realized $5040. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.