Essex Jewelry and Antiques
3 Ball Black and Co Sterling Gibney Mustard Salt Spoons
Regular price
$180.00
Presented is a fine pair of sterling silver master salt spoons and a matching mustard ladle made or retailed by Ball, Black & Company, predecessors to Black, Starr & Frost. This firm was active from 1851 to 1874. The salt spoons and mustard ladle are all done in a wonderful Gothic design. This pattern is a variant of the Gibney pattern which was patented by Whiting in 1862. All three pieces are engraved with LH in a fancy script on the fronts of the handles, although the monogram is largely worn on the two salt spoons. The mustard ladle is also engraved on the back of the handle with J.R.K.
Each piece is marked on the reverse with B.B.&Co. for the maker Ball, Black & Company, Patent 1862, and 950 for the silver purity. This is a slightly higher purity than sterling silver.
The condition is excellent. All three pieces have minor surface wear commensurate with age and light use. The salt spoons have a good amount of wear. There are no dents, no splits, no breaks, and no repairs.
The two salt spoons are 3 1/2 inches long.
The mustard ladle is 4 3/4 inches long.
The combined weight of the set is 31.4 grams or 1.1 ounces.