Object Number 1992.0120

Object Name

Spoon (Teaspoon)

Category

Metals

Credit Line/Donor

Gift of Lawrence Jessen in memory of Florence Jackson Farley

Creator (Role)

John Fessler Jr. (Maker)
1787-1869

Place of Origin

Frederick, Maryland, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

Date

1811-1824

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Mark; Handle, underside; "J.F.J./r" stamped in an oval
2. Inscription; Handle tip, surface; "RJ" in foliate script, engraved, crosswise

Materials

Silver

Techniques

Wrought, Engraved

Dimensions (inches)

6.87 (L)

Dimensions (centimeters)

17.46 (L)

Object Description

Web - 04/05/2023

The initials and tradition of ownership associated with this silver spoon anchor its origins in Frederick, Maryland. The spoon’s shape and the maker's mark for second-generation clockmaker and silversmith John Fessler, Jr. demonstrate a taste for oval-ended handles lingering into the nineteenth century. This shape accommodates the foliated script “RP,” likely engraved for Roger Johnson (1749-1831), who owned and developed property in Frederick county and neighboring regions. In 1781 Roger married Elizabeth Thomas. This single spoon was part of a set numbering at least nine that were inherited by Johnson descendants.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Belden, Louise C. 1980 Marks of American Silversmiths in the Ineson-Bissell Collection. 506 p.
• An illustrated glossary of spoon terms, pp. 467-488