Images(2)

"Stamp Act" Tablespoon

Date1766-1767

Marked by Thomas & William Chawner (active ca. 1759 - 1774)

OriginEngland, London

MediumSilver (Sterling)

DimensionsOL: 7 7/8"; W: (bowl): 1 11/16"

Credit LineGift of Beverley Randolph Wellford and Joyce Walmsley Wellford in memory of John Harrison Wellford

Object number2006-147

DescriptionHanoverian pattern silver tablespoon with up-turned spatulate handle with slight midrib and oval bowl with long oval back drop.
Label TextThis spoon is from an original set of twelve that Landon Carter (1710-1778) of Sabine Hall, Richmond County, Virginia, ordered through his factors in London in 1766. It was engraved, like the others in the set, at his direction in celebration of the repeal of the Stamp Act in that year. The backof each handle is inscribed "LC / 1766 / REPEAL OF THE AMERICAN / Stamp Act." The spoons bear the mark of Thomas and William Chawner, who were specialist flatware makers. Carter had been a leader in the protest of the Stamp Act and was prideful in his early advocacy for representation in the presence of taxation.
InscribedEngraved on back of handle in script and block letters: "LC / 1766 / REPEAL of the AMERICAN / Stamp Act"
MarkingsMarked in relief on back of stem: 1) gothic uppercase "L" date letter for 1766-1767; 2) leopard's head crowned; 3) lion passant; and 4) "T·C/ W·C" in relief within a square for Thomas & William Chawner (Grimwade 1990 no. 3816)
ProvenanceBy direct descent from Landon Carter to Mrs. and Mrs. Beverley Randolph Welford.