Metals
James Nicholds (Probable maker)
Birmingham, England
1808-1823
Silverplate on copper (fused plate)
Rolled, Hammered, Wrought
2018.0009
Object Number2018.0009 |
Spoon (Tablespoon)
Metals
Gift of Philip E. Toussaint
James Nicholds (Probable maker)
Birmingham, England
1808-1823
1. Mark; Underside; "NICHOLDS" in rectangle, stamped
2. Mark; Underside; Nearly effaced tower, stamped
American eagle; Great Seal of US
Silverplate on copper (fused plate)
Rolled, Hammered, Wrought
British-made export goods bearing American patriotic symbols were plentiful by the early 1800s, but this silverplated copper tablespoon bears a war-like interpretation of elements from the U.S. Great Seal (from 1782-1841) stamped on its handle tip. The national eagle's head facing the cluster of arrows rather than the olive branch also appeared on U.S. coins produced between 1787 and 1803 as well as on mastheads for newspapers printed during the War of 1812. This eagle head direction became incorporated into the Presidential seal for a time, however, most American patriotic eagle imagery uses the Great Seal's viewer's left facing orientation.
Silverplate (called fused plate and Sheffield plate) spoons were produced in vast multiples and it is remarkable this one bears a mark and handle ornament. If it is authentic, the eagle stamp should be seen in the context of other Brimingham flatware such as pewter spoons bearing American eagle symbols for the burgeoning U.S. markets.
[Book] Crosskey, Gordon. 2011 Old Sheffield Plate A History of the 18th Century Plated Trade. 454.
• Manufacturing: 38-39.