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tline3open  a real mote spoon by I+G ?

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Author Topic:   a real mote spoon by I+G ?
labarbedor

Posts: 353
Registered: Jun 2002

iconnumber posted 03-24-2003 07:01 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for labarbedor     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
There was so much discussion about the mote spoons on Ebay, I thought I would post one that is certainly real. By the way, if you get a chance to handle one you have doubts about, the real ones have a very stiff stem whereas those faked from a regular spoon are too flexible.

I have had no luck finding the maker, but since it is not British I guess it is a safe guess to say this is an American one.

Maurcie

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FredZ

Posts: 1070
Registered: Jun 99

iconnumber posted 03-24-2003 09:35 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for FredZ     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Maurice,

The reason the stem of handforged mote spoons are tough and springy because of the workhardening caused by the method of manufacture. The stem and bowl are intentionally not annealed prior to finishing. This makes those areas tough and less likely to wear.

If the forger uses the same techniques to make the reproduction the springiness will not be an idicator of authenticity.

I hope your spoon is American and the shell swaged decoration was a popular design motif of the mid 18th century. Nice decoration on the bowl.

Williamsburg was making fine reproductions of mote spoons when I went to visit 5 years ago. The female journeyman at that time was doing exquisite piercing of the bowls. I do not recall her name.

I have also instructed students in the making of contemporary mote spoons with southwest designs pierced in the bowls.

I am hoping to add an authentic mote spoon to my collection some day. I recently acquired an English late 18th century marrow scoop.

Fred

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