September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
Spoon has a deep bowl featuring a Roccoco shell in relief on the reverse. Overall measurement is 8 1/4". The back of the handle is stamped twice with the "CHALL" hallmark for Charles Hall of Lancaster Pennsylvania. The top of the handle is monogrammed "SSH" for Samuel and Susanna Hunter of Fort Augusta, Pennsylvania. Hunter was a commandant in the Revolutionary War. This spoon was purchased by Walter O'Connor along with several of Hunter's letters from his decedents at auction. According to "Silversmiths of Lancaster, Pennsylvania: 1730-1850" by Vivian S. Gerstell; Charles Hall was born in 1742 and died in 1783. He was a prominent citizen as well as a silversmith. On page 41, there is a photograph of a spoon with the identical hallmarks shown on this example. Silver from Lancaster County made in this time period is very scarce, and desirable. The spoon is in excellent condition, showing a mostly gray patina with some wear to the shell design on the back of the bowl.