Zebulon Elliott Tablespoon

[dognose]

Hi,

Here's a tablespoon by Zebulon Elliot, who, I believe, worked in New York and North Carolina:






The spoon is 8¾ (22.5cm) in length.

There are two or three things about the spoon that nag a little, the weight is little above what you expect of the average American spoon of the period, the crest is engraved more centrally than usual, something I noted previously on some Canadian examples, and the pseudo marks, bust, 'H', lion passant. Why 'H'?

It is possible that Elliott had a brief period working at Halifax, Nova Scotia? Or am I just clutching at straws?

Any thoughts appreciated, even dismissive ones.

Trev.

[silverly]

This information does little to help with the determination of where he worked, but for what it is worth, There is a Zebulon Elliot listed in New London, Connecticut in 1820 and from 1830 to 1870 he is listed in Southampton, New York. The birthplace that is shown for his children that are in these listings does not support time spent in Canada.

[wev]

A pair of tongs was sold at auction several years ago. They were from the Salisbury area, typical in form for the mid 1820s, and were marked the same as your spoon.

[dognose]

Hi Pat and William,

Many thanks to you both for the information.

Hopefully one day we'll find the meaning behind the letter 'H'.

Trev.

[silverly]

I have to correct myself concerning Zebulons records for the latter half the nineteenth century. He is recorded in the U.S. IRS Tax Assessment Lists for 1866 and in the census for 1870 both in Sag Harbor, New York.

[wev]

He's also there in the 1850 census, along with his son Walter Scott, both listed as watchmakers.

[silverly]

Likewise in 1860 and 1870 and likely before 1850, but the census does not begin to specify Sag Harbor in the Township of Southampton until 1870.

[Jag]

I would guess the "H" is simply another false hallmark to emulate the British silver marks - this time for year.

[dognose]

Hi Jag,

Indeed, that may well be the case.

Trev.