Images(2)

Tablespoon

Dateca. 1777-1790

Maker Joseph Richardson Jr. (1752 - 1831)

Maker Nathaniel Richardson (1754 - 1827)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumSilver

DimensionsOverall Length: 8 1/8”; Width of Bowl:1 5/8"; Depth of Bowl: 9/16"

Credit LineGift of Kay Justice Ridinger in memory and honor of Charles W. Ridinger III

Object number2021-101

DescriptionSilver tablespoon with a downturned, round-end handle with a thickened short-ribbed tip, and an oval bowl with a drop topped by an eleven-lobed shell.
Label TextWhen Joseph Richardson, Sr. retired from the trade in 1777, his sons Joseph Jr. and Nathaniel, took over the family silversmithing business. The brothers worked in partnership until 1790 when Nathaniel left to pursue the ironmongery and hardware trade.
InscribedTop of handle engraved “R • I”.
MarkingsStruck twice on the bottom of the handle with "I•NR" (NR are conjoined) in relief within a rectangle.