Set of Three Dessert Spoons
Dateca. 1770-1777
Maker
Joseph Richardson, Sr.
1711 - 1784
MediumSilver
DimensionsLength: 7”; Width of bowl: 1 5/8"; Depth of bowl: 7/16"
Credit LineGift of Kay Justice Ridinger in memory and honor of Charles W. Ridinger III
Object number2021-123,1-3
DescriptionThree dessert spoons, each a with downturned round-end handle with a thickened tip, and a shallow rounded drop where it meets a pointed egg-shaped bowl. The tops of the handles are engraved with bright-cut and wriggled borders, including an oval reserve at the top.Label TextThe son of Francis Richardson Sr., Joseph Richardson, Sr. was born in Philadelphia and trained under his father in the silversmithing trade. Similarly, he trained his own sons, Joseph Jr. and Nathaniel, continuing the family dynasty as top-tier craftsmen in that city. Joseph Sr. retired from the business in 1777, and died in Philadelphia in 1784. Some of his letter and account books can be found in the collections of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and the Winterthur Museum Archives.Inscription(s)Oval reserves on top of each handle engraved “R” in sprigged script.Mark(s)Each marked "I•R" in relief within a rectangle twice on the back of the handle.
1779
ca. 1750-1780