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Subject: Jewish silversmiths


Pair of Engraved Silver Spoons by Nathan & Levy Pair of Engraved Silver Spoons by Nathan & Levy

A pair of silver spoons engraved with the hallmark "NATHAN & LEVY." Based on the style, the spoons are estimated to have been crafted between 1815 and 1845 by a silversmith in New England. The firm Nathan & Levy is also listed in the 1860-1861 Ohio State Gazetteer and Business Directory as importers of watches and wholesale dealers in jewelry and silver in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Set of Four Coin Silver Serving Spoons by J. Einstein, circa 1860s Set of Four Coin Silver Serving Spoons by J. Einstein, circa 1860s

Set of four coin silver serving spoons crafted by J. Einstein, circa 1860s. Three of the spoons are engraved with 'PR' or 'LR'; the fourth spoon is without engraving. These spoons are from the estate of Max Rosenthal (1833-1919), a Civil War artist known for illustrating books using chromolithographic plates and for his depictions of the Army of the Potomac. Joseph Einstein was a prominent Philadelphia jeweler and silversmith active during the Civil War years, and he and Rosenthal were members of the same congregation, mentioned in *The Jews of Philadelphia* (1894).

Set of Six Sterling Silver Spoons by Joseph G. Judah & Co. Set of Six Sterling Silver Spoons by Joseph G. Judah & Co.

Set of six sterling silver spoons crafted by Joseph G. Judah & Co., a Canadian silversmith active in Toronto from 1842-1857. Each spoon is hallmarked with J.G.J. & Co., a beaver in a shield, and "SILVER". The hallmark including "& Co." was used after Judah's death in 1858. The spoons measure approximately 5 5/8 inches in length. One spoon has a dent in the bowl. Each spoon is monogrammed E.P.H. The total weight of the set is 98 grams. The spoons are of a classic English fiddle design with turned handle tips. The maker's mark is J.G.J & CO against a rectangular background, with a beaver in a crest indicating 92.5% silver content. Joseph G. Judah was a Jewish silversmith instrumental in establishing Toronto's Jewish community, including the purchase of its first cemetery. Circa 1860.

Set of Three Spoons by J. Levy Set of Three Spoons by J. Levy

Set of three spoons with the hallmark "J. LEVY" and "W S C" engraved on their handles. The spoons have turned-down fiddle handles with a broad drop and sharply pointed bowls. Information suggests Jonas/Jones (Joseph) Levy was a silversmith working in New York in 1835, with other references placing him in Connersville, Indiana (c1821), Cincinnati, Ohio (1822-29), New York City (c1838), and Memphis, Tennessee (1855-60).