Can anyone identify the mark on the reverse side of the spoon, at the handle end, shown in the link below? Click on "Download" at upper right of screen.

https://www.academia.edu/9184242/Unidentified_Manufacturers_Mark_on_a_Spoon

The Monroe County Historical Museum in Monroe, Michigan, USA has this artifact cataloged as a silver spoon. The metal appears to be a copper-alloy (probably brass) base metal. The spoon may have been silver-plated, but the plating worn-off due to exposure of ground elements and weather. Seems too large for a tablespoon, possibly a soup or mixing spoon.

The artifact comes from the François Deloeuil (French-Canadian) house and blacksmith shop (1789-1866). Its provenience is: N40E40, Trench, Feature 26 (Originally Feature 2). The catalog no. is 1988.229.1103.

The mark is composed of four symbols in cartouche-like fashion with a possible size mark. From left-to-right, the symbols are: omega, an animal (?), a cross (Christian cross?), and the initials " I.Y". "No. 3" is perpendicular to the initials I.Y on its right. I suspect the mark is British, possibly that of Israel Yudelmann (cutlery and flatware maker) since three of the symbols on the spoon are similar to three of a Yudelmann mark dating 1905-1925. The spoon I suspect is a mid-nineteeth century artifact dating post-1830 or 1840, when German or nickel silver plating was in fashion.

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.


Cordially,

Patrick Tucker, RPA
Firelands Archaeological Research Center
Amherst, Ohio, USA