Trombley & Smith Coin Silver Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon · Trombley & Smith. This partnership involved silversmiths based in Aurora, Illinois, specifically known for producing American provincial silver during the mid-19th century.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern, a ubiquitous mid-19th-century design characterized by its violin-shaped handle profile. This was a standard stock pattern for regional American smiths.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
Trombley & Smith. This partnership involved silversmiths based in Aurora, Illinois, specifically known for producing American provincial silver during the mid-19th century.
Material
Coin Silver (.900 purity), the standard composition for American silver prior to 1860, typically made by melting down silver currency.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length approximately 5.8 to 6.2 inches. Estimated weight 18-25 grams (0.6 to 0.8 troy ounces) per spoon.
Description
A classic example of mid-19th-century Midwestern American coin silver. This teaspoon by Trombley & Smith features the iconic Fiddle pattern, a staple of many American pioneer and merchant homes. Its simple, robust design was intended for daily use rather than display, showcasing the honest craftsmanship of regional Illinois silver production.
Key Features
Incuse 'TROMBLEY & SMITH' maker's mark; Fiddle-shaped handle; Coin silver composition (.900 fineness).
Material & Composition
Coin Silver (.900 purity), the standard composition for American silver prior to 1860, typically made by melting down silver currency.
Finish & Decoration
Plain finish with a classic 'Fiddle' handle. It lacks ornate engraving, though many such pieces from this era featured personalized monograms on the handle front or back.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The piece bears the rectangular incuse stamp: 'TROMBLEY & SMITH'. It lacks a 'Sterling' or '925' mark, which is consistent with early-to-mid 19th-century American manufacture.
Construction Details
Hand-forged or die-struck from a single ingot. The transition from the handle to the bowl shows the tapering characteristic of hand-hammered workmanship.
Functional Features
Deep oval bowl designed for stirring tea or eating soft desserts. The wide handle allowed for a firm grip and personalized engraving.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid one-piece silver construction. The handle is flat and flares out into a 'fiddle' shape which was the most ergonomic and popular design of the time.
Craftsmanship Details
Evident hand-finishing on the handle edges. The mark is struck with sufficient pressure, indicating professional shop standards.
Authentication Indicators
The incuse stamp is consistent with 1850s American marking practices. The lack of purity marks like 'Sterling' is historically accurate for Coin Silver pieces of this region and date.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured in Aurora, Illinois, USA. Represents the Midwestern American silversmithing tradition.
Era & Period
American Antebellum / Mid-19th Century (approx. 1840-1860). This was the peak period for regional silversmiths before mass-industrialization.
Age Estimate
Circa 1850. The maker mark is documented for Trombley & Smith operating in the mid-1800s in Aurora.
Cultural Significance
Represents the growth of luxury goods in the American Midwest during the expansion era, moving beyond utility toward the social ritual of tea service.
Condition Notes
The surface shows moderate to heavy tarnish (sulfide deposits) and fine scratches consistent with age. There is no visible bowl wear or severe dents in the provided image. Overall: Good condition for age.
Value Estimate
$30 - $65 USD for a single spoon. Value increases significantly if part of a set or if it has provenance linked to a specific notable Illinois family.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid machine washing. Store in a Pacific silver cloth roll to prevent further sulfur oxidation.
Similar Pieces
American Coin Silver by Gorham or Tiffany in Fiddle pattern; however, regional makers like Trombley & Smith are more sought after by local history collectors.
Interesting Facts
Coin silver is uniquely American in context; because there were few silver mines in the early US, smiths often melted down silver dollars and European coins to create household objects.