Russel & Co. Chinese Export Sterling Silver Spoon
Flatware (Spoon) · Russel & Co. (Canton/Hong Kong/Shanghai). A prominent American trading house (Hong) in China founded in 1824, significant for its role in the 19th-century China trade and high-quality export silver.
Pattern: Chinese Export Floral or Figural Pattern (Subject to handle decoration, commonly Bamboo or Dragon motifs)
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
Russel & Co. (Canton/Hong Kong/Shanghai). A prominent American trading house (Hong) in China founded in 1824, significant for its role in the 19th-century China trade and high-quality export silver.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or high-purity silver (typically 90% to 95% silver content common in Chinese Export Silver)
Dimensions
Estimated length 12-15 cm (teaspoon or dessert size); estimated weight 20-35 grams based on standard period gauges.
Description
An exceptional example of Chinese Export Silver commissioned by the American merchant house Russel & Co. This piece features 'pseudo-hallmarks' intended to mimic British assay marks, a common practice to reassure Western buyers of metal purity. The heavy tarnish suggests long-term storage, but hides the intricate hand-finishing characteristic of the period.
Key Features
Explicit 'RUSSEL & CO' stamp and the imitation of the British 'Lion Passant' and ‘Crowned Leopard’ marks.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or high-purity silver (typically 90% to 95% silver content common in Chinese Export Silver)
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and tarnished surface; likely features hand-chased or repoussé motifs common to the Canton style of the mid-19th century.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Pseudo-English hallmarks comprising the letters 'R U S S E L & C o' followed by symbolic marks resembling a crowned leopard (London) and a lion passant (sterling), used by Chinese makers to appeal to Western markets.
Construction Details
Hand-forged and cast components; typical of 19th-century Chinese craftsmanship where Western forms were hand-replicated by local silversmiths.
Functional Features
Single-piece construction for the handle/stem with potential for a bowl attached by a drop or V-joint.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle; shape appears to be a narrow stem leading to the hallmark section; likely terminating in a stylized finial or decorated terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-executed stamps and a forged stem; high-quality bench-made silver showing the distinct marks of individual craftsmanship rather than mass machine production.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark 'RUSSEL & Co' is a known and cataloged mark for this specific trading company. The spacing and font of the pseudo-marks are consistent with authentic 19th-century export pieces.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canton (Guangzhou), China; manufactured by local artisans for the merchant house of Russel & Co.
Era & Period
Late Qing Dynasty / Victorian Era (China Trade period), reflecting the fusion of Western utility and Eastern manufacturing.
Age Estimate
Circa 1850-1880, based on the specific hallmark style and the peak operational years of Russel & Co.'s silver commissions.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Export Silver' phenomenon where Chinese silversmiths achieved such mastery of Western styles that their work often surpassed the quality of contemporary London or New York workshops.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Heavy atmospheric tarnish/oxidation; surface shows minor abrasions and potential 'fire scale' underneath. No visible structural cracks in this view.
Value Estimate
$150 - $400 USD depending on the design of the bowl/handle and rarity of the specific spoon type.
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid chemical dips which can strip the intentional oxidation from deep-recessed decorative details. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Japanese' pattern (similar Eastern influence) or contemporary pieces by Sunshing or Khecheong (other famous Chinese Export makers).
Interesting Facts
Russel & Co. was the largest American trading house in China in the 19th century. Their silver pieces are highly collectible as they represent the early economic bridge between the US and China.