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The A.1. Coin Silver Company got in on the souvenir spoon business early by producing the Columbus World's Fair spoon for the 1893 Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, Illinois USA.
Has anyone finally uncovered who this company was, or it it still a mystery?

Hi Trainline,

I'm not sure if this snippet casts any light on the subject:

Wants an Accounting on the World's Fair Spoon Concession

Chicago, Ill., Dec. 29.—In a bill for accounting filed by J. Motte Martin against B. F. Norris, Alister & Co., Mr. Martin recites at length the services he rendered the firm in securing for them the concession to sell the official souvenir spoon at the World's Fair. Mr. Martin had secured other concessions and was familiar with the business.

He claims it was agreed that if the concession was granted, the firm would manufacture the spoons, furnish all necessary moneys, and pay him one-half of the net profits. Jan. 26th the bid of the firm was accepted and the contract between the firm and Martin reduced to writing. Later the concession for the Woman's and Children's spoons was secured and they came under the arrangement. The final statement made by the firm, Nov. 15th, showed a loss of $11,299.98. Martin claims he is denied access to the books and accounts, and asks that the books in question be turned over to a receiver and a writ of summons issued against defendants, returnable at the next term of court.

"There is absolutely nothing in his claims," said Mr. Alister, "unless he wants to share the losses. The contract with Martin was unfulfilled on his part, as the spaces promised could not be given."

Source: The Jewelers' Circular and Horological Review - 3rd January 1894

Trev.

Thanks Trev, once again looks like your the first person in the history of silver sleuthing to find a real lead on a missing maker.