Colonial America
Silver Table Spoon Made by Joseph Richardson Jr.
c. 1780 Colonial Era Silver Spoon. Made and Engraved by Joseph Richardson, Jr., Choice Extremely Fine.
This fine piece of Colonial Era Silver measures 7.25” long, and is monogrammed “M.C.” and stamped twice on the back with the familiar “JR” (Joseph Richardson) hallmark. In numismatic circles, Joseph Richardson, Jr. is best known for his work on the hand-engraved George Washington Indian Peace Medals. Used, but in good condition, nice and bright, with a faint patina. Extremely rare and desirable, directly connected to one of America’s greatest silversmiths.

Joseph, Jr. came from a long line of Silversmiths. His father, Joseph, Sr. inherited his father’s Silversmith shop in 1729 and became one of the leading Silversmiths of Philadelphia. Joseph, Sr. set an example that his son was later to follow by helping organize in 1756 the Friendly Americans for Regaining and Preserving Peace with Indians and he presented jewelry to Indian leaders. Junior continued the tradition and was responsible for some of the 1793 and all of the 1795 Washington Indian Peace Medals - later, he became Assayer at the United States Mint. This circumstantial evidence indicates a close association with George Washington and David Rittenhouse, first Director of the U.S. Mint.