A. Sanborn Fiddle Pattern Coin Silver Spoon
Flatware - Spoon (likely a Teaspoon or Dessert Spoon) · Amos Sanborn (1816-1896) of Lowell, Massachusetts. Sanborn was a prominent New England silversmith and jeweler known for high-quality domestic coin silver wares during the mid-19th century.
Pattern: Classic Fiddle Pattern; a ubiquitous 19th-century design characterized by a handle that widens into a flattened, ovoid shape resembling a violin's body.
Type
Flatware - Spoon (likely a Teaspoon or Dessert Spoon)
Maker
Amos Sanborn (1816-1896) of Lowell, Massachusetts. Sanborn was a prominent New England silversmith and jeweler known for high-quality domestic coin silver wares during the mid-19th century.
Material
Coin Silver (approximately .900 purity). During this era in America, silver items were often made by melting down silver coins as the primary source of bullion.
Dimensions
Estimated at 14-16 cm (5.5-6.25 inches) in length; standard weight for such pieces ranges from 15 to 25 grams of coin silver.
Description
This is a quintessential piece of American heritage: a Coin Silver spoon by the esteemed Lowell maker Amos Sanborn. It features the timeless Fiddle pattern, a design that defined the American dining table for decades. The spoon carries the weight of history in its metal—likely repurposed currency—and serves as a testament to the local craftsmanship of Massachusetts during the industrial revolution.
Key Features
Distinctive 'A. Sanborn' maker's mark; 'Lowell' location stamp; classic fiddle silhouette; hand-engraved owner's name in period-correct copperplate script.
Material & Composition
Coin Silver (approximately .900 purity). During this era in America, silver items were often made by melting down silver coins as the primary source of bullion.
Finish & Decoration
Satin finish with heavy natural oxidation (tarnish); features a scripted name engraving within a decorative cartouche on the handle's front and a simple, unadorned fiddle shape common to the Federal/Victorian transition.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'A. Sanborn' maker's mark is visible in a rectangular incuse or cameo stamp on the neck. A second rectangular stamp further down the handle, partially obscured but likely reading 'LOWELL', indicates the city of manufacture.
Construction Details
Hand-forged and die-struck. The piece shows signs of traditional 19th-century construction where the bowl and handle were hammered from a single ingot (tapered shank) and the pattern/stamps struck with steel dies.
Functional Features
Tapered neck for comfortable grip; rounded bowl for domestic dining use. Designed as a durable, everyday utilitarian tool that also served as a store of family wealth.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid one-piece coin silver construction. The fiddle-back handle provides a wide surface for the maker's stamp and personal engraving, typical of the pre-Civil War era.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-finishing is seen in the slight irregularities of the stamp placement and the depth of the hand-engraved script, showing a higher level of personal attention than later mass-produced Victorian silver.
Authentication Indicators
The maker's mark is consistent with known examples of Amos Sanborn's work. The wear patterns on the back of the bowl (heel wear) and the softness of the engraving are consistent with genuine mid-19th century coin silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Lowell, Massachusetts, USA. Manufactured in the Sanborn workshop, which operated during Lowell's peak as an industrial and craftsmanship hub.
Era & Period
Mid-19th Century / Pre-Civil War American Silver. The fiddle pattern was the dominant motif from approximately 1830 to 1860 before more ornate Victorian styles took over.
Age Estimate
Circa 1840-1860. The style of the 'A. Sanborn' stamp and the use of coin silver rather than sterling (.925) strongly support this mid-century dating.
Cultural Significance
Coin silver pieces like this represent the 'middling' class's rise in America—families who finally had enough wealth to convert cash into tangible, useful household heirlooms that could be liquidated if necessary.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant surface tarnish (sulfide deposits) and numerous micro-scratches consistent with heavy domestic use. The metal appears structurally sound with no visible cracks or thinning of the bowl edges.
Value Estimate
$30.00 - $60.00 USD. Value is driven by the 'Lowell' regional interest and the maker's reputation rather than pure silver weight.
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth first. Use a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) to remove tarnish. Avoid 'dip' cleaners which can strip the desirable patina from the engraving.
Similar Pieces
Fiddle pattern spoons by Gorham or Tiffany (early production) or other regional New England smiths like Palmer & Bachelder. Sanborn pieces are specifically prized by Massachusetts regional collectors.
Interesting Facts
Amos Sanborn was not just a silversmith; he was a leader in Lowell's business community and his shop was a landmark for fine jewelry and watches for over 50 years.