This serving spoon is a splendid example of the era in American History where melting down coins and other silver items were common practice to keep up with demand. AIn great condition, a variation of the fiddle design can be seen on the neck of the spoon, and a monogram of MEU to the handle.

Hallmarked J. B. Akin to the rear
Size 21cm long
Weight 38.4 grams

Coin silver - America did not have a reliable source of domestic silver for their silversmiths to utilise during the 18th and early 19th centuries, and importing silver sheets from overseas was incredibly costly. They had to rely on melting down existing objects as well as coins to be able to produce their clients commissioned pieces. Due to the repurposing, grades of silver would vary during this time period but typically consist of 90% silver. Pieces during this period were stamped 'coin silver'.