11/03/2024
We’re always excited when we find Maryland-made objects during an estate appraisal. This happened last week during an assignment in Central Maryland. Among the many items we inventoried that day was this set of hand-crafted silver spoons by Baltimore silversmith Robert Brown (1798-1882).
Brown’s name appears in Baltimore directories for much of the mid-19th century. He made both holloware and flatware beginning in the 1820s from his shop at 168 Baltimore Street. These three serving spoons, which are stamped “R. Brown” in a rectangular cartouche along with “10 15,” indicate they are Coin silver made between 1830 and 1835. Coin silver was the silver standard used in the United States from about 1790 until the 1850s. It was based on the coin standard of the period, which fixed the amount of silver used in 19th century silver dollars and other coins, and specifies the spoons contain at least 90 per cent silver. The 10-15 stamp is a quality mark that is also commonly found on Maryland Coin silver made during the 1830s.
Brown brought his son into the business in the 1840s and changed his mark to “R. Brown & Son.” Records indicate Brown continued to make silver for Baltimore patrons until 1852.
