posted 04-02-2001 05:00 PM            

I recently bought a coin silver tablespoon (7-3/16") in the fiddle tip't pattern. What I find unusual is the finely engraved and brite cut scene of a Federal style house in the bowl, which is gilt. The engraving is very detailed--down to individual clapboards on the house and flutes and volutes on the porch columns. The reverse of the handle is inscribed "1843."

The marks on the spoon are "N. Arnzen" and "Fall River" (the second mark is worn, but still legible in the right light), both in threaded reserves.

Can anybody tell me some information on N. Arnzen, including dates? I am curious if the engraving was added later in the spoon's life, or if the spoon was made circa 1843. Also, I wonder what the purpose of a spoon with such engraving would be. Perhaps soemthing akin to a housewarming gift?

posted 04-02-2001 05:46 PM            

Dighton Rock was originally in Dighton on Assonet Neck. This piece of land was ceded to Berkley in the 1700's. George Washington, after examining a copy of the inscription in the museum of Harvard College, expressed his opinion that it was the work of Indians as he had seen similar writing in his early life which was unquestionably made by the natives.

Only partially agreeing, Mr. N. Arnzen of Fall River purchased the rock and gave it to the Antiquarian Society at Copenhagen. His theory was that the writing was composed of two parts- one by Indians, the other by Norsemen. He found that the name THORFIN, in Latin letters, was clear. In other references it is noted that the rock was a gift to the town by the Royal Scandinavian Society in the 1800's.

posted 07-25-2007 08:44 PM            

FWIW, but maybe some insight from a friend regarding the engraving in the bowl he says that the style of the house is high style Greek Revival, the date is right and Arnzen's place in society would have been appropriate to the house. However, he feels the spoon maybe of a later date perhaps made as a commemorative piece.