Spoon

Date1787-1811

Artist/Maker George Coldwell

MediumPewter

DimensionsOL: 7 11/16"; W (bowl): 1 19/32"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1966-161

DescriptionPewter spoonLabel TextGeorge Coldwell is noted, in part, for his production of spoons with patriotic decoration. He advertised for sale in the New York Dailey Advertiser for November 22, 1794, "British metal, table, dessert and tea spoons, elegantly ornamented and plain, common pewter table and tea spoons, various sizes, plain and figured," among other things. His decorated spoons are of two basic types: those, such as this example, with feather-edged borders and stamped with crossed flags and a liberty cap atop a pole and a banner lettered "PEACE & AMITY" and others, also with feathered edges, and a circular medallion and the words "FEDERAL CONSTITUTION."

Inscription(s)NoneMark(s)Touch mark "G:COLDWELL" within a serrated rectangle on underside of handle (Laughlin 510).ProvenancePurchased from Mrs. James E. Ingraham, Hamden, Massachusetts. Mrs. Ingraham and her husband found the spoon in 1965 while they were making repairs to their house. Their house was built in 1812.