so... how do you date a pewter spoon?

[whithill]

Found this today via metal detector on a Lake Michigan beach, near where I've dug trade silver, flat buttons, etc. This was in the sand, about 20 feet from the water's edge. Obviously a pewter spoon, but any clues how to date or otherwise identify this? Is there a spoon forum somewhere? I will probably donate this to the local historical society but would love to learn more about it before I do. Any wisdom most welcome! whit

 

[dig kzoo]

Killer spoon that is awesome!

 

[BurntBear]

I don't know but that's cool!

 

[screwynewy]

You have to ask the fork for permission . Sorry, couldn't resist.

Very cool spoon though. There are some members here that can help with that.

 

[whithill]

lol, thanks guys! OK pewter experts! Please weigh in!!!! I have to make a decision: donate to local "museum" (very small and not sure what their resources are) OR take it home and research it myself, possible donate later. what to doooo...
whit
Dirt Girl Unleashed
Dirt Girl Unleashed: Whit & Her Metal Detector

 

[vpnavy]

Nice find! Thanks for sharing...

 

[curbdiggercarl57]

Either wait for an answer here, Google, or bring it to another museum or University.
And I wouldn't do any cleaning as well.
Very nice piece!
Or..............


Dinner and a movie!

Carl

 

[FreeBirdTim]

That is known as a rattail spoon, due to the strip on the back of the spoon. I'm definitely not an expert, but I would guess pre-1800 and probably much earlier than that! What a great find!

 

[BuckleBoy]

http://www.justgodetecting.com/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_id=6495

The above article will tell you what you need to know.

And an additional resource: according to Ivor Noel Hume in A Guide to Artifacts of Colonial America, "The rat tail continued to be used on silver until the second quarter of the 18th century, and considerably later on pewter."

To me, the scallop decoration on the handle hints at the Georgian application of these designs where the handle meets the bowl. My personal hunch on the date of your find is the 3rd or 4th quarter of the 18th century.

This is really a GREAT find. IF the museum will display it, then good on you for donating. If it's gonna sit in a box where no one sees it, then keep it and display it yourself. That's an excellent piece.

-Buck

 

[Mud Hut]

You have to ask the fork for permission . Sorry, couldn't resist.
.

I thought you would have to ask the dish for permission!


Very Cool Spoon, by the way!

 

[treblehunter]

Cool find, donate it is my vote. Just in case we are voting?

 

[wvdirtdigger]

That is awsome!

 

[CoilyGirl]

Hiya Whit and welcome to Treasurenet! What a terrific find! There are jokesters here too.

 

[dirtlooter]

awesome find, something like that makes you wonder who had it, where has it been etc.

 

[beez0404]

I like the spoon very much, but in all honesty enjoyed reading your blog page even more. I found it to be fun, lighthearted, intelligent, and informative. I also determined that I hate you for the incredible area you have to hunt!!! LOL

 

[CoilyGirl]

I like the spoon very much, but in all honesty enjoyed reading your blog page even more. I found it to be fun, lighthearted, intelligent, and informative. I also determined that I hate you for the incredible area you have to hunt!!! LOL

Her blog IS very cool and I could hate her for a little too but she is a warm,wonderful person who I have the pleasure of knowing personally.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

I believe BuckleBoy is spot-on with his estimate for the age of your spoon. Although I have not seen that exact design, the shell or scallop motif was quite popular on pewter spoons during the 1770s. Excellent find, especially considering where it was recovered.

 

[whithill]

THanks, everyone! You are clearly all intelligent, well-informed, attractive and funny to boot!
Folks' estimation of late 1700s matches mine, but I'm no expert. Have not yet met with the historical society lady, nor made a decision about what to do re donating.

We leave tomorrow so I'd better figure it out. On the other hand, I'll be back in November so maybe I'll take the spoon for a little visit to the Southland, then bring it home. After a couple of centuries buried in sand, I dare say it would appreciate a change of scene and perhaps some creature comforts...

 

[Rick (Nova Scotia)]

I've found many pieces of pewter spoons, but never a complete one, and after 6+ years here know VERY few ever posted. So a very good find.
Yeah I'd keep it awhile too.

 

[rodarian]

Wow. That is super cool! I am loving the thoughts of how that spoon got to where it was and just who used it. Nice find!