While were talking about colonial spoons heres a cool item I recently acquired

[Bill D. (VA)]

While we're talking about colonial spoons here's a cool item I recently acquired

This is an 18th century Hanoverian rat tail spoon mold. It was found in the cellar of an early tavern and comes mounted on a stick of wood that's very aged and has a string attached to one end for hanging on the wall. Additionally, a rat tail pewter spoon that was actually cast from this same mold was included. This can be verified by comparing the subtle details of the mold with the spoon, and everything matches perfectly. This pattern of flatware was in prevalent use in the colonies from 1715 through the 1770s. Since the spoon contains no makers marks it's assumed it was used locally by the tavern to produce its own flatware as opposed to importing it. The melted pewter was simply poured into the opening at the top of the mold and allowed to cool. This mold also seems to cast a heavier than average spoon with a heavy, rounded stem. The intent may have been to cast durable serving spoons for the tavern as most common spoons have thinner, flat stems. This isn't nearly as old as the mid-1600s trifid spoon I found on Tues, but it will make a nice display piece to show alongside my other rat tail spoons.

 

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[metalev4]

A very unique acquisition. That mold will be a nice addition to your display. Always nice to learn something new, I had no idea how spoons were made.
-Evan

 

[matt092079]

That is awesome, Bill. What a great piece of history.

 

[timekiller]

Much like these I found Bill......cool beans man.

 

[Pirateofthewaste]

This is an 18th century Hanoverian rat tail spoon mold. It was found in the cellar of an early tavern and comes mounted on a stick of wood that's very aged and has a string attached to one end for hanging on the wall. Additionally, a rat tail pewter spoon that was actually cast from this same mold was included. This can be verified by comparing the subtle details of the mold with the spoon, and everything matches perfectly. This pattern of flatware was in prevalent use in the colonies from 1715 through the 1770s. Since the spoon contains no makers marks it's assumed it was used locally by the tavern to produce its own flatware as opposed to importing it. The melted pewter was simply poured into the opening at the top of the mold and allowed to cool. This mold also seems to cast a heavier than average spoon with a heavy, rounded stem. The intent may have been to cast durable serving spoons for the tavern as most common spoons have thinner, flat stems. This isn't nearly as old as the mid-1600s trifid spoon I found on Tues, but it will make a nice display piece to show alongside my other rat tail spoons.

Very cool.

 

[ModernMiner]

Bill,
That is one cool piece of history right there. I've never seen one of those before. We're going to start called you The Spoon Man if you're not careful.
One thing I've always hoped to dig before I croak is a CW bullet mold.
Thanks for the post & congrats,
Doug

 

[CRUSADER]

I see why you brought it.

 

[Dug]

You have to wonder about the pewter that was used back then as to how much lead was mixed in the alloy and the health impact. I'm sure very little was known about the hazards of lead back in that time frame (other than bullets).

I had the opportunity to detect some old New Orleans lots after buildings were demo'd and the amount of lead pipe water line pieces we dug up was surprising.

 

[Steve in PA]

Bill,

That is definitely a nice acquisition for your colonial collection. The mold looks black in your pictures, what is it made from, iron? Do you know if the spoon is period, or a later casting from the mold? My only intact pewter spoon is this rat tail example.

 

[Msbeepbeep]

Nice old piece, congrats!

 

[MUD(S.W.A.T)]

Very cool !!

Keep @ it and HH !!

 

[myfantasia1]

That is very interesting, thanks for sharing

 

[treblehunter]

Very interesting, cool find to have with your spoons.

 

[JUNKER]

Thanks for sharing Bill first time I've seen one learn something new here all the time Thanks and HH

 

[BuckleBoy]

That's a great piece there! Fantastic to see both pieces of the mold together, and especially with a spoon from the mold!

Cheers,

Buck

 

[joeyfresh]

That's really cool Bill. I'm glad you posted it.

 

[Zodiacdiverdave]

That's a killer piece right there Bill. Thanks for posting it.
ZDD

 

[gunsil]

Here's mine, it was given to me by a friend who's family still lives in their house that they have lived in continuously since around 1722. The house is still full of things from that period on, it's an amazing house!! At 5'10" I have to duck down to get through the doorways inside the house. I love to see your colonial finds, and I had thought about showing my mold, so here it is.

 

[jewelerguy]

very interesting. sure is something you don't see every day

 

[mirage83]

Some excellent hunting areas you've got access to Bill, always something unusual and interesting in your finds.