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I have a question about the monogram on a family coin silver teaspoon shown in the photo. It is signed by P.WHITE, which I believe is Peregrine White of Woodstock, Conn. Maybe circa 1800 or earlier.

The monogram initials are in a triangular position: P on top with a W and an H below. Does the top letter "P" have to be the surname? I can match the spoon to an ancestor if the H were the surname and the P is the wife's name. I can't find any information about the protocol of Early American silver monograms or how to read some of the early script. Thanks for any insight.


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Hi Daphne,

Welcome to the Forum.

Presuming the protocol was the same as in England at this time, the 'P' would be the initial for the Surname, the 'W' would be the initial of the new husband's Forename and the 'H' the new wife's Forename.

Regards Trev.
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What Trev discribes is the same as was used here. The engraving looks older than 1800. It is a style that was more popular in New England from 1730-1760, as is the shape of the entire spoon.
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The mark does match Ensko's mark for Peregrine White and the pointed end is generally considered to have come into vogue in America around 1790. I notice it is a picture back but can't make it out, what is the representation?
Regards, Tom
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Coincidence? I did some more research and found that in the 1800 Woodstock census, Peregrine White is listed right next to the father of the woman I'm trying to tie to this spoon. The initials would be correct for husband, wife, and surname, except that they're in the "wrong" order.

Photo of back is attached. Looks kind of like a lyre.


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