An eight inch coin silver ladle by Thomas Phillips, Paris, Kentucky, working there as early as 1795. He later moved to Hopkinsville, in western Kentucky, but returned to Paris for several years, removing again to the west and died in Elkton, Kentucky in 1843. This finless ladle, with a "coffin" shaped drop on back of handle certainly suggests that the piece was made no later than 1810, and perhaps earlier. The "TP" mark as well as the "PARIS" town mark are identical to the marks shown for Phillips in Boultinghouse's book on Kentucky Silversmiths. Monogram on handle is "P" in period script. Phillips has long been considered on of the more scarce and desirable makers of early Kentucky silver. This nice ladle shows some normal wear, but no defects or damage of any kind. An early and rare example by this important silversmith.

$1150