Coin silver spoons from the mid 1800's are part of Husband Jim's inheritance. They're delicate and dainty, thin and worn with dents in the bowl and, when we found them, they were black with tarnish.We're not sure who they belonged to . . .
The initials on one are MEH -- part of the family were Hammons and so we're supposing that that spoon belonged to them. I'm not sure who ME was, however, and so a bit of geneology digging to find out who this spoon might have belonged to.
The initials on one are MEH -- part of the family were Hammons and so we're supposing that that spoon belonged to them. I'm not sure who ME was, however, and so a bit of geneology digging to find out who this spoon might have belonged to.The second is engraved BY -- and I'm not aware of any of husband's ancestors whose last named started with "Y"!
These spoons are a mystery now (as to whom they may have belonged to and why, one one of each -- what happened to the other matching spoons?) and may always remain a mystery.
They will be one of my treasures. Polished up and perhaps used by husband Jim and I when we have afternoon tea.
Treasures are meant to be used, not hidden away. They develop a finer patina when they're used rather than just sitting in a drawer.
It's the second Sunday of April -- Silver Sunday -- so please join Beth at The Gypsy Fish to see other's shining examples of silver this Sunday.
17 comments:
Wonderful little spoons. Hope you find out who they belonged to. I agree, treasures should be loved and used.
Oh those are amazing and wonderful treasures, I too hope you find how who they belong too! Thanks for sharing such a great collection!
Nancy
Is all you have are the two spoons? If so, they may have been from a Hotel or ship. People often pocketed monogramed silverware as souvenirs.
Your monogrammed spoons are beautiful. I have used my sterling flatware everyday for 35 years. It has a lovely patina. I hand-wash it and doesn't even have to be polished all that often.
I have a vase of wildly displayed Japonica on my breakfast room table. At long last, the bush we planted three years ago is large enough to trim and bring inside. I love it. I grew up with a huge (well, huge in my memory) one outside the back door.
I made a big mistake when my husband and I were married. After years of joining my sisters in polishing mother's ornate silver, I announced that I didn't want any silver. Fortunately, the family forgot that over the years and we now have silver to enjoy (and polish).
Best,
Bonnie
I have a couple of odd sterling spoons too. My best explanation is that in early days there wasn't a lot to be left to daughters (sons got the land, houses etc and daughters got dishes, silver and linen) so a mother's flatware and china services may have been split up among sisters. My grandmothers large dinner service was split up among her granddaughter - each receiving one place setting and a serving piece. I think that's the story behind a couple of 'onlies' that I have. Somewhere in this big country, or even down in yours, there are mates to my spoons, and perhaps some long-lost cousins.
Silver with patina is the best kind! Your spoons are definitely treasures. Even more special that they were in your husband's family.
Hi, often the little things bear a real secret. A lot of people have such spoons from their ancestors. Can you imagine, how much this little spoons could tell you of the former times? So much history. In Germany people got this type of spoons for birth or later for their marriage and they have used alway "his own" spoon. I have the spoons of my grand-grand-parents and this spoons are very word, they are waferthin. But I love them. Happy Silver-Sunday.
Greetings, Johanna
It is always nice to have something that belonged to a family member. And when it is passed on to you. You know that they are trusting you with a peace of family history. Thanks for shareing.
I have some spoons like that, mystery monograms!
They are so wonderful!
pve
Martha, my children will find all sorts of monograms someday as I collect any old piece that catches my eye. I have many old embroidered linens with monograms also. However, Johanna is correct that a silver spoon was many times gifted at a birth which would explain an odd monogram. Or it could have come from an "in-law" of one of the family. Regardless, they are treasures to cherish
xoxo Pattie
So sweet and dainty.....I love that you are researching their history...everything has a story and that's what makes it so special.
Thanks for coming to the party.....see you next month!
{{gypsy hugs}}
Beth
Such sweet little spoons! I love the patina and the unknown monograms add to their charm. How exciting that you have a mystery to unravel! Thank you for stopping by. Have a lovely week.
Hello Martha, thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your kind comment. I agree that treasures should be used :-) Enjoy your spoons and having fun genealogy digging to find out more :-) Perhaps they could have been Christening spoons ?
As is the Swedish tradition, my Farmor bought me a spoon (and later the forks) for each birthday and Christmas until I had my sets. My pattern is Princess (my sister's Dalarna). I didn't use them until I turned 30...it was always "someday") How often do we do that?? When does "someday" arrive??
You are so right, treasures should be used and not hidden in a drawer. My belief as well.
Martha, I really love that old coin silver that is a little dented and fragile. I love those pieces so much more than new sterling because they are something saved over many years.
Francie
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