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 SMP Silver Salon Forums
 American Silver before sterling
 A Stephen Emery spoon
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| Author | Topic: A Stephen Emery spoon |
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ahwt Posts: 2334 |
posted 01-27-2009 06:41 PM
  
   This Stephen Emery spoon is 4 7/8 inches long. It has a seven lobed scallop shell on the reverse of the bowl and has an engraved ruffle type edge; both characteristics of Emery that are noted by Patricia Kane in her book on Colonial Massachusetts Silversmiths and Jewelers. I think the SE mark on this spoon is mark c in the Kane book. The engraved initials are HW and below these initials is engraved "No 4". I remember a previous discussion on the use of numbers with initials, but cannot find this discussion. Was the number 4 an indication that there were also numbers 1, 2 and 3 spoons? -- And maybe larger numbers as well. IP: Logged |
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agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 01-27-2009 06:53 PM
Some Scottish spoons are clearly and visibly numbered on the front like this, e.g. from 1 to 6. I believe the idea was that the hostess could keep track of which teacup and spoon went to which guest after a refill. My parents once had a set of glasses similarly numbered which in theory helped guests at a party know which glass was theirs (at least while they remained sober enough). Slightly more discreetly placed numbers on the back of a spoon were more of an inventory aid - perhaps to help with counting them after the guests had gone or perhaps simply to ensure they were put back in the right place. [This message has been edited by agphile (edited 01-27-2009).] IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2334 |
posted 01-27-2009 07:45 PM
Thanks Agphile. That is a realistic suggestion and perhaps this idea was a forerunner to the use of napkin rings some 50 or so years later. IP: Logged |
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agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 01-28-2009 08:33 AM
I have to confess that Ian Pickford thought of it first - his comments on Scottish items in his book "Silver Flatware". A Scottish practice could easily have been carried across to America. Given the Scottish reputation for "carefulness" I suppose the numbering might also have been a discouragement to the light-fingered. If number 4 was missing after a tea party, the finger of blame would point to whoever was using that spoon! Whatever the reason, the extra inscription adds to the interest of an attractive spooon. IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2334 |
posted 01-28-2009 04:42 PM
Perhaps Stephen Emery or his customer HW had some Scottish blood in them. By the way, celebrations are just over for the great Scottish poet Robert Burns. He was born January 25, 1759 and died July 21 1796. A short but great life. IP: Logged |
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