Baltimore Rose Sterling Silver Bon Bon Serving Spoon Schofield 1905

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This marvelous bon bon serving spoon is created in gorgeous sterling silver in the Baltimore Rose pattern by Schofield. This … Read more This marvelous bon bon serving spoon is created in gorgeous sterling silver in the Baltimore Rose pattern by Schofield. This beautiful pattern went into production in 1905. The Baltimore Rose pattern is a very intricate design with hand chased roses on the handle. There is a scalloped bowl with a glossy finish, handle in deep repousse and the back handle has the monogram "MMW." Measurements for this fabulous creation are: Length from end to end=5 inches, Width of spoon at widest=2-1/4 inches. This marvelous spoon has been well cared for, gently used and is in excellent vintage condition, free from damage or repairs. It is the perfect addition to your silver serving collection and can be used to serve mints, nuts, small pastries, as well as bon bons!

In 1891, at the age of 18, Frank Schofield started an apprenticeship at The Gorham Mfg. Co. in Providence, RI. At Gorham, Schofield learned die-cutting and silversmithing. In some silver biographies, penned by scholarly authors, it has been written that Frank Schofield cut the dies for the original Stieff Rose or, as it was known then, Maryland Rose. There may be some truth to the story as the pattern Stieff Rose debuted in June 1900 and not 1892 as generally reported. In 1899, after finishing his apprenticeship at Gorham, Frank Schofield moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Frank Schofield was employed at Baltimore Sterling Silver Company (BSSCo) at that time as a die cutter.

After working for four years for Charles C. Stieff at BSSCo (aka The Stieff Company), he struck off on his own. Founding The Baltimore Silversmiths Manufacturing Company in 1903, his first shop was on Pleasant Street in Baltimore. The city directory for 1903 shows him as a die cutter, so there is a good chance that while at BSSCo (Stieff), he did cut later dies for the Rose pattern. Frank Schofield's first pattern was Baltimore Rose, a pattern very close to Maryland Rose, made by his former employer.

In 1905, he was able to buy the failing business of long time Baltimore Silversmiths, C. Klank & Sons. Later in 1905, he partnered with businessman Henry Herr, and the company name changed to Heer-Schofield. The 1912 directories show the business at 618 Lombard in Baltimore. Henry Heer became President of the Heer-Schofield Company. Katherine Heer (his wife) became Secretary and Treasurer, and Frank, the Vice-President of the company he founded. See less