Featured Antebellum Silver Salt Ladle

Found in an auction box lot of silverplate utensils

Maker: Horton & Rikeman (1850-1856) Savannah, Georgia


The Savannah firm of Horton & Rikeman produced the ladle. Watchmakers, jewelers, and silversmiths Humphrey P. Horton and Cornelius H. Rikeman operated in partnership at 116 Broughton Street in Savannah between 1850 and 1856.

The primary design patent (1847) belonged to Rikeman, before Horton became partner

Humphrey P. Horton, originally from Connecticut, died 26 Apr 1865 from wounds received in the Civil War while fighting for the South.

The ladle is likely Coin Silver, although it is unmarked for content

 

Your coin silver mustard spoon was produced by either John C. Moore, who patented the design April 3, 1847 (No. D114), or by John Polhamus, who also produced the pattern, noting Moore's patent date, and naming the pattern 'Louis XIV' - Horton & Rikeman were acting as retailer...




~Cheryl

 

Wow, you’ve got way more info than I was able to deduce. Thank you!

 

I have a bit of experience with silver. Appreciate the 'Thank you!', some people never bother...

~Cheryl

 

This being one of the true understatements of the year so far!!!