Souvenir spoon: Newport

1890-1895

Maker

Howard & Co. (1866-1922)

Measurements

6 in x 1-1/4 in x 3/4 in

Materials

Silver

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1189

Inscription

“NEW / PORT” is on the face of the handle.  “STERLING” and “HOWARD & CO” are stamped into the back of the handle.

Provenance

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

Comments

The handle tip displays an image of the Stone Tower, a well-known and intriguing landmark in Newport. Identified over the last two centuries variously as built by Vikings, Portuguese, Chinese, and medieval Scottish Templars, the tower is a 17th century structure, probably a windmill, built by Benedict Arnold, the first colonial governor of Rhode Island and a forebear of the Revolutionary War traitor.  The wavy handle has a vine in relief that terminates at the bowl in a sea serpent.

The back of the handle has a seascape showing a paddle steamboat named “EOLUS” (for Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds), three sailboats, and a small rowboat with wharves and buildings in the background.

Several businesses operated under the Howard & Co. name.  This firm was centered in New York City with branches in Newport and London.