Expert: Martin G Roberts - 7/20/2007

Question
QUESTION: We have a spoon taken from Slane Castle in Meath County, Ireland around 1900. It has five different markings on it which makes us think it may be important. It was used by the Earl of Mountcharles whose family has owned the castle forever. My question is, if you saw these markings, could you identify the spoon? If not, could you recommend someone who might be able to? Thanks Rich

ANSWER: -

What is the spoon made of?

Do you have any firm evidence to support the provenance?

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It is very light. Maybe pewter, maybe silver. It has a silver/nickle dull gray appearance. It was taken from the castle kitchen by my grandmother's sister, "Aunt Martha". Their father was the gameskeeper for Slane castle during the early 1900's. It has 5 markings. One looks like a family emblem with 4 letters arranged in the order of 2 letters over 2 more. J G
         N S
If I had a different email for you, I could send some pictures. Rich

Answer
-

NS = nickel silver. Cheap material used for making spoons in the last 150 years or so. It does not contain any silver. No importance at all, I'm afraid - you can buy this stuff by the box load for pennies.

If you are implying it was stolen, it would be advisable to not mention the 'provenance'!

Martin
www.antique-metalware.co.uk