Old Spoon

[haboo]

Well, went back to relic hunting today, after a few days hitting the local fair grounds and playground. I Found this old spoon and a few other things at a virgin colonial site I've been working. I'm trying to find info on this spoon. The mark says P.J CLAR? & Co (I think clark or clary). The other spoon or fork handle has HOWLEY marked on the back. Any info for id would be greatly appreciated. Happy hunting to ALL

 

[TreasureTales]

Hello haboo. That's a great closeup of the maker's name. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything on Clark, Clary, or Howley. This may be something for one of the experts -- PBK or Montana Jim. If you woulnd't mind, please post a photo of the entire spoon. (I enjoy seeing flatware from the colonial period.) Please continue to show us what you find at that virgin site. Happy hunting to YOU.

 

[haboo]

Hello haboo. That's a great closeup of the maker's name. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything on Clark, Clary, or Howley. This may be something for one of the experts -- PBK or Montana Jim. If you woulnd't mind, please post a photo of the entire spoon. (I enjoy seeing flatware from the colonial period.) Please continue to show us what you find at that virgin site. Happy hunting to YOU.

Thanks for the response TreasureTales. Here is a few of the flatware things that I found and a little copper thingy. Had to use my scanner. How can you tell pewter from silver?

 

[Wolfbite]

Nice finds looks like a good spot.HH Wolfbite

 

[Little finder]

I like the old spoon!


from little finder

HH!

 

[TreasureTales]

Pewter is known as the "poor man's silver." It is, however, impossible to get a brilliant shine on it. Whereas silver can be polished to a brilliant luster. Also, pewter is easy to bend, dent, twist and reshape while silver (other than pure silver) is much harder and stiffer (oops, that sounds kind of naughty ) more difficult to manhandle. I think you can also determine the difference if you find a maker's mark. Silver will often be marked .925 or "sterling" whereas pewter will have a maker's name and no purity designation.

I'm sure some TNet members more knowledgeable than I will provide a better explanation.

One more thing: if a coin dealer wants to buy your stuff, it's probably silver. If s/he doesn't, it's probably pewter. Antique dealers, on the other hand, might buy both.


PS, thank you for posting additional photos. Nice finds!!! Congrats.