JC -- unknown maker

[wev]

Another interesting little mystery. This mark was once given to John Coburn, but has since been withdrawn, as it is found on pieces too late for his career. I doubt it is Joseph Clark or Coolidge; Ensko lists John Cook of Philadelphia, but no mark is shown for him in Hollan. Any thoughts?

[wev]

The inability to edit a post is extremely aggravating.

The spoon is 9.5 inches long and of substantial weight. The champhering on the handle is interesting and fairly uncommon.

[AGHEAD]

Look at Joseph Cook's mark, it seems to be a good match, circa 1785.

[themarks]

I agree with above, looks like Joseph Cook. Nice piece!

[wev]

Joseph Cook of Philadelphia? Can you site a reference for the mark? I don't know of any that have been confirmed.

[AGHEAD]

The mark for Joesph Cook is in my version of Ensko.

[wev]

Ensko should not be relied upon for more than a 'maybe' attribution. Hollan points out that there are no verified marks that can be confirmed for Joseph Cook of Philadelphia. While coffin end flatware is not unknown from Philadelphia smiths, but it is highly unlikely. In this case, given that Cook appears to have died in late 1796, doubly so.

[Traintime]

Did you rule out the aforementioned John Cook name? John Cook New York c.1850's - 1870s having an attributed mark only (initials in diamonds conjoined by circle). Leaves open possibility of different mark.

[wev]

The spoon predates his starting date by 40 years; not a consideration.

[Traintime]

What is the last possible year that a spoon like this could have been crafted? If John Cook was a foreman for Evans in 1850, could he not have been working some 30 years earlier on his own? Many examples exist of people who started a company and later wound up as foreman (or the same effective position with a title) for a modern concern. Does anyone know his birth-death years? Also, Evans specialty was old patterns. Presumably Cook was knowledgable in earlier wares and methods. People do order custom replacements of inherited wares years after the original set was made. Would 1820 be too late?

[Traintime]

Added: Winterthur collection has different "Cook" name samples of New England wares for anyone interested. No relationship should be inferred. Just a line of inquiry. Signed, Not God.

[wev]

The spoon dates c 1800-1805.