Souvenir spoon : Gloucester, Massachusetts

1892

Maker

A.F. Towle and Son Co. (1882-1902)

Measurements

5-3/4 in x 1-1/4 in x 3/4 in

Materials

Silver

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1087

Inscription

“1892” is in the bowl.  “250 ANNIVERSARY / GLOUCESTER / MASS.” and  “PINKEY / 1642” are on the tip of the handle. 

The Towle touchmark is on the underside of the handle near the bowl.  “STERLING” and “E. LANE.” are next to the touchmark.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Comments

The spoon shows a two-master schooner with the date 1892 in the bowl.  The handle shaft identifies the date as the 250th anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Gloucester, Massachusetts.  That date, 1642, is at the tip of the handle below the word “Pinkey.”  A pinkey (or pinky) is a two-masted fishing schooner associated with the Gloucester area.  A schooner of that type is pictured on the handle.

The maker’s mark is the same as one on a souvenir spoon with the Old Man of the Mountain and Lancaster, New Hampshire, accession no. 1971.1086.  Both spoons are of conventional design.  The handle tip of this one turns downward, whereas the Lancaster spoon turns up. 

“E. LANE.”, near the maker's mark, is unidentified, probably a retailer.