Images(2)

Spoon

Dateca. 1680-1710

OriginAmerica, New York, Albany or New York City or Europe

MediumSilver

DimensionsOverall Length: 6 5/8”, Width of Bowl: 1 1/4", Depth of Bowl: 3/8"

Credit LineGift of Kay Justice Ridinger in memory and honor of Charles W. Ridinger III

Object number2021-97

DescriptionSpoon with a writhen handle, decorated with a triple-reeded collar at its bottom, and which flares into a forward-curling trifid cartouche. The handle is soldered to a well-worn ovoid sheet silver bowl by a substantial rattail.
Label TextSpoons, based on Dutch prototypes, were made in New York during the last decades of the 17th century by silversmiths like Jurian Blanck, Jr., Hendrick Boelen, and Gerrit Onckelbag, all of Dutch descent. Their creations have ornate cast handles, topped by animal hoof and human figural finials, and raised sheet silver bowls. Very few of these survive, and they can only be positively identified as being American products by their maker's marks.

From the onset of the colony of New Netherlands until the early 19th century, it was traditional to give silver spoons for certain occasions like weddings and funerals. Though some are known bearing memorial inscriptions, his spoon carries the initials of the married couple who once owned it, suggesting it was intended for domestic use. Spoons with cast handles are known to have been used to consume raisin-laden brandywine from special bowls, also an ancient Dutch tradition.
InscribedHandle terminal engraved “S" over "C-I-".
MarkingsTraces of what may be a "crowned ???" mark appear on the back of the bowl near the rattail.
ProvenancePurchased from John Conover (Ossining, NY).