Images(4)

Teaspoon

Date1760-1769

Marked by James Geddy II 1731 - 1807

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Williamsburg

MediumSilver

DimensionsOL: 4 7/32"; W (bowl): 27/32"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1969-68

DescriptionSilver teaspoon: upturned-midrib ("Hanoverian" type) handle with oval bowl without dropLabel TextWealthy Virginia planters typically purchased objects fashioned by English silversmiths. This reflected both the recognition of London as the style center of the Anglo-American world and the complex credit system resulting from the tobacco trade with the mother country. Nonetheless, Williamsburg was home to approximately eighteen silversmiths prior to 1800. They both produced and imported a range of small items, as well as repairing and polishing silver and jewelry. The mark of James Geddy II, best-known of these craftsmen today, is found on this teaspoon along with the engraved initials “C/D M” for its first owners, David and Mary Dudgeon Caldwell, who emigrated to Charlotte County, Virginia, from Ireland.Inscription(s)Engraved on back of handle "C/DM" in block letters for David Caldwell (1709-1769) and Mary Dudgeon (1730-1820)Mark(s)Struck on back of stem in relief "I·G" in block letters within a rectangleProvenanceDavid Caldwell (1709-1769) married in 1745 Mary Dudgeon (1730-1820). Both were born in Ireland, emigrated to America, and settled in Charlotte County, Virginia. They are beleived to be the original owners of this spoon, which bears the engraved initials "C/D M". The spoon passed to their daughter Mary Caldwell (1757-1820), who married in 1772 Beverly Mann (1750-1822). They lived in Halifax County, Virginia in 1782, then moved to Kentucky in 1783 and were settled in Mercer, Kentucky by 1810. The spoon then went to their daughter Nancy Mann (1792-1851), who married in 1819 Garland Sims (1796-1881). After Nancy's death Garland married in 1852 Elizabeth Horn Hale (1815-1880). The spoon was given to their daughter Lucy Jane Sims (1853-1930), who married Chesley Noel (1857-1943). The spoon was passed on to daughter Osie Elizabeth Noel (b. 1884), who gave it to her niece Birdeen Noel (b. 1920), the daughter of her brother Garnett Noel (b. 1887) and his wife Lizzie Gritton (b. 1892). Birdeen passed the spoon on to her son, from whom it came to Colonial Williamsburg in 1969.
Vendor: Mr. Terry F. White, Harrodsburg, KY