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Question: Enclosed are photos of the front and back of two heirloom silver spoons. The lower spoon measures 5 1/2 inches and is one of eight marked "G.J. Wolf." The other spoon, stamped "S.A. Jarden A1," is one of a dozen that are six inches long. I would like information about the age, makers and value of the spoons. - J.A., Williamstown

Answer: Your spoons' classic design, copied for three centuries and described as Tipt in the 1700s, Fiddle during the 1800s and American Colonial in the 1970s, is admired and treasured for its simplicity. Such pieces are found in collections that feature spoons or antique silver items.

"G.J. Wolf" embossed in a banner on the 5 1/2-inch spoon is the mark of General James Wolf. Wolf, a silversmith, made coin silver tableware in Wilmington, Del., during the 1820s and in Philadelphia from 1830 to 1833.

Created in America from melted European silver coins during Colonial years until the end of the Civil War, coin silverware is more than 90 percent pure silver. Because of their age, craftsmanship and patina, early coin silver items sometimes sell for as much or more than sterling. Collectors currently pay $15 to $35 for a coin silver teaspoon based on its age, maker and condition.

The other spoon is a silver-plated piece made by Samuel A. Jarden of Philadelphia. Listed in the Philadelphia City Directory as a silversmith in 1828, Jarden's name appears as an electroplater from 1859 to 1865. "A1" denotes silver plating that has less silver content than top-grade AA plating. The spoon can be purchased for $5 to $8.

Question: The Lladro statue that appears in my photograph was given to me by a friend in 1982. I hope you can tell me something about the piece. - G.G., Little Egg Harbor Township

Answer: Your photo shows a seated commedia dell'arte-style troubadour figure in pastel clown attire leaning on a lute. The piece is one of a series of sad Harlequin figurines designed for Lladro by sculptor Fulgencio Garcia. Harlequin's lean body and limbs, stylized lines and soulful air are characteristics of Lladro figures produced since the 1960s.

Issued with glaze and matte finishes from 1969 until they were retired in 1978, Lladro's Garcia Harlequins presently are popular porcelains. Folks who collect Lladro, clowns and commedia dell'arte characters search for figurines such as yours. One recently sold for $275.

Alyce Hand Benham is an antiques broker, appraiser and estate-liquidation specialist whose consulting firm, Treasures Unlimited, is based in southern New Jersey. Send questions to: Alyce Benham, Life section, The Press of Atlantic City, 11 Devins Lane, Pleasantville, NJ 08232. Letters may be used in future columns but cannot be answered individually, and photos cannot be returned.

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