Silver condiment spoon hallmarked with the rare Toronto maker's mark of Joseph G. Judah. Established in Canada in 1838, the business became Joseph G. Judah & Company after his death in 1857. This hallmark dates to the late 1840s. The spoon measures 4 inches in length. Judah was a successful silversmith, businessman, and prominent member of Upper Canada's early Jewish community. He played a founding role in establishing the Jewish Congregation of Toronto in 1856. Biographical information is available online and at Canada's national archives.
Subject: Toronto History
No additional authority information available for Toronto History.
An early Canadian sterling silver teaspoon made circa 1860 by the firm of J.G.J & Co. The maker's mark, J.G.J & Co., is visible against a rectangular background, along with a purity mark featuring a beaver within a crest. This mark was used by Judah George Joseph after 1858. The spoon is of classic English fiddle design, with a turned handle tip and an attractive monogram. It measures 5 3/4" long x 1 1/8" wide at the bowl and weighs 23 grams (3/4 ounce). Joseph G. Judah (1798-1857), of Jewish heritage, owned a retail store at 56 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario, from 1842-1857 and played a significant role in establishing Toronto's Jewish community, including the purchase of its first cemetery. The spoon's silver is 92.5% pure.