Unusual and rare antique silver teaspoon by Smith Sturgeon & Co. Monogrammed "B". We're simply not certain if this is coin silver or silver plate.
Despite hours of research, we were unable to unearth this company or any historical information about it. The only references to a "Sturgeon" as a silversmith are noted:
¹A Mr. Thomas Sturgeon (c. 1830) and a Mr. Timothy Sturgeon (c. 1812), silversmiths, both of Lancaster, Ohio. A Mr. John Townsend (before 1820) also of Lancaster, Ohio.
²Thomas Sturgeon, silversmith, had a shop in Sturgeon's row, east side of the square, and on the north side of Main street. John Townsend, silversmith, had a shop on Main street near the canal, before 1820. James Gates succeeded Sturgeon in business.
³The Sturgeon family were among the early pioneers of Lancaster. Timothy Sturgeon, a native of Pennsylvania, first visited Ohio in 1801. Having decided to settle in Lancaster, he soon after returned to Pennsylvania and married Margaret Johnson. In 1802 he returned to Ohio with his young wife, and became a permanent resident of Lancaster, where he engaged in the watch and clock business foe many years. He was a prominent and active man, filling the position of Justice of the Peace for some time. He was also treasurer of Fairfield county one or more terms. He was a member of the Presby-terian church, an esteemed citizen, and successful business man. He accumulated a handsome property, a portion of which was ten acres of land in what is now a part of Lancaster. He reared four children, two of whom survive; Thomas, and Mary A., the widow of William Kauffman. Timothy Sturgeon died in 1826. Thomas Sturgeon was born in Lancaster, October 17, 1808. He acquired a fair education and learned the trade of jeweler and silversmith, a business he followed until 1840.
¹The Directory of American Silver, Pewter and Silver Plate
²1883 History of Fairfield and Perry County, Ohio
³http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~tfisher/fphfairfieldbios.htm
This pretty silver teaspoon has an antique shape with a 'tipped' design on the handle, wide shoulders just between the teaspoon bowl and handle - all one piece, not attached. Beautiful engraving of the letter B on the handle.
Although the top of the spoon shows only very light use, the teaspoon bowl heel and the back of the end of the handle do show silver wear, most likely from storage over the years. Georgeous patina on the silver!
This antique silverplate teaspoon measures 5.875", weighs 0.9 ounces and is touchmarked on the back of the handle SMITH STURGEON Co. together with the number "6".
A1076 - SMITH STURGEON & Co. Silver Teaspoon
$45.00 First Class Mail
