posted 11-16-2000 11:43 PM            

It is interesting to note that there is a variation to be found on Shiebler's figural nutmeg spoon, patented in 1891. There were actually two bowl types used:

"Type A"

"Type B"

I have no reason for calling them A & B in that order: it is not meant to imply a chronology. The type A spoon is one I own at the moment, and I also noted that the "S" in Shiebler is backwards on that one. The type B spoons I have seen have a proper S. Also, the marks appear to differ in placement on the two types of spoon; type A's winged-S and "sterling" marks are on the back of the bowl, type B's are in the reverse of the handle. The patent date on both types is on the handle reverse. Finally, the type A spoons I have seen, as far as I remember, all have the retailer "H.S. & Co." (of Hartford, I believe) stamped on them, while I can't recall offhand seeing a type B spoon with this mark. The example pictured (taken from an eBay auction) doesn't have this mark. I'm not sure if the two types were produced contemporaneously, or if one predates the other. My example is engraved "'93."

Paul

posted 12-06-2000 02:33 PM            

All of those we looked at had the winged-S and STERLING on the backs of the bowls, usually right side up if held with the bowl above the handle.

Using your A and B designations, our findings are below.

Type A: All had Pat. Mar. 3 '91 and HS&Co on shaft unless noted otherwise.

-S correct, STERLING correct.
-S reversed, STERLING correct, no retailer.
-Wings inverted, STERLING correct.
-Wings inverted, STERLING inverted.
-Wings inverted, STERLING inverted, no retailer, PAT. APL'D FOR.
-S reversed, STERLING correct, no retailer, PAT. APL'D FOR.

Two observed. Both had S correct and STERLING correct on the back of the bowls, and Pat. Mar. 3 '91 and HS&Co on shaft.

posted 05-25-2017 01:39 PM            

quote:

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Geo. W. Shiebler, 6 Liberty Place, New York, is satisfying the present fad for souvenir spoons with most beautiful designs. On orders for Hartford, Conn., he supplies exquisite little spoons; the bowl represents a full-grown nutmeg, and the handle the (lower and leaves; for Boston, the bowl with an etching of the historical “Tea Party or of a “Hub for Baltimore, the bowl displaying an etching of the Monument; Washington, the Capitol; New York, the Brooklyn Bridge; Cedar Rapids, Quaker Oats, and so on. The demand for these goods helps to keep the Shiebler's spacious factory very busy. The inspector of this manufacturer’s line is constantly surprised at the exquisite beauty and excellence of design and workmanship of each individual taste. Mr. Shiebler's constant endeavor is to produce something original; that he succeeds is evidenced by the heavy sales of some of his patterns, such as the “Flora," the sale of which many dealers say is unprecedented in its line. When types or models are followed, he endeavors to go other manufacturers one better. His line comprises everything made in silver from a soup tureen to a book-mark. Speaking of book-marks, Mr. Shiebler has produced many beautiful patterns in a every style of construction which holds the back instead of the side of the book, and proves an ornament

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