An important coin silver ladle by Cincinnati Silversmith Alexander McGrew. McGrew came to Cincinnati in 1805, but may have worked for another silversmith for several years before establishing his own shop by 1812 or so. Alexander retired in 1836 and turned his business over to his son Wilson McGrew.
This nearly thirteen inch ladle is the most significant piece of A. McGrew silver that I have had, and from one of Cincinnati's earliest silversmiths. The handle form would suggest that this example is from the decade of the 1820s. The maker's mark is weak (from polishing) but quite readable, else the condition of the ladle is superb. The period engraved monogram appears to be "ERS".

$ 650