Sixteen (16) Mississippi coin silver dessert spoons, stamped WILSON & KLEIN in rectangles with STANDARD banner for S.H. Wilson and John A. Klein, working in partnership circa 1840-1850 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, with a branch in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Includes ten (10) dessert spoons and six (6) teaspoons, all featuring handles with rounded fiddle ends monogrammed WB. Ranging in size from 5 7/8" to 7" L. Combined weight: 12.28 oz troy. Note: Pennsylvania born silversmith S.H. Wilson relocated to Yazoo City, MS about 1840 and entered into partnership with silversmith John A. Klein of Vicksburg (formerly of Virginia). By 1851, Wilson was advertising in Yazoo City under his name alone. His business survived the ravages of the Civil War, but he was killed in a duel in 1869. During the period in which Wilson and Klein were working together, there was no legal requirement in the U.S. that an item contain a certain percentage of silver. The "Standard" mark signified quality, indicating that the spoons contained the same percent of silver as the national coinage.

PROVENANCE: The Collection of Dr. Joe Newsom Rawlings, Davisboro, Georgia.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition with some light wear to tips of bowls, marks, and monograms. One teaspoon has a 1/4" dent and a slight bend to bowl, otherwise denting is minimal.