U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 commemorative souvenir spoon in case

Titles: U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 commemorative souvenir spoon in case (Supplied title)

Description: This silver teaspoon, manufactured to mark the 1862 "Dakota Hanging" at Mankato, Minnesota, has an image of the scaffold on the interior spoon bowl. The engraved scene of the hanging was taken from a drawing by W. H. Childs commonly used for other commemorative products of this event. The rounded oblong black leather case with sculpted blue silk velvet interior is marked "HART BROS. / 241 FULTON ST. / BROOKLYN" on the lid interior.

Dates

• Not earlier than 1890 - Approximately 1902 Regarding the spoon: The stamped monogram mark on the back of the spoon appears to be a large “T” (also an anchor), with a smaller “S” wrapped around the stem, and an even smaller ampersand (“&”), also wrapped around the stem. After this monogram the block letters: “STERLING” are stamped. This mark is attributed to A. F. Towle & Son, of Greenfield, Massachusetts, which was active between 1890-1902. This was an successor to Towle & Jones silversmiths. Anthony F. Towle moved from Newburyport to Greenfield in 1890, and operated until 1902 when the business was sold to Rogers, Lunt and Bowen. (Creation)
• Not earlier than 1862 - Not later than 1883 Regarding the associated wood and leather case: Inside the lid is printed in gold: "HART BROTHERS / 241 FULTON ST. / BROOKLYN". It appears this company was founded by James H. Hart, who was born about 1832, in New York, and would become a jeweler by trade. It appears he initially partnered with Oscar S. Jennings in New York City with a company known as “JENNINGS & HART”, between circa 1855-56. Later he founded another company with his brother Andrew W. Hart in Brooklyn, known as “Hart Brothers”, probably circa 1862-1883. Their silver mark was simply “HART BROS”, which is not found on this spoon. It would appear that this wood and leather case was made for a different type of eating utensil than a teaspoon; probably a small ladle or serving spoon. It would appear that this case was repurposed in order to store the Mankato teaspoon made by another firm (specifically A. F. Towle & Son, of Greenfield, Massachusetts). (Content)
• Not earlier than 1862 Regarding the scene depicted on the bowl of the spoon: This depicts the hanging of thirty-eight Dakota men in Mankato, Minnesota, which ocurred on December 26, 1862. (Content)

Creation

• distributed by: Hart Brothers
• owned/used by: Longini, Mrs. Julia
• made by: A.F. Towle and Son

Identifiers

• Accession Number: 2490.A,B

Credit: Minnesota Historical Society Collections, Gift of the Sibley House Association of the Minnesota Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Holding Type: 3D Objects

Quantity: 2 items

Format

• Content Category: artifacts

Measurements

• 6 inches length (2490.A, spoon)
• 1 1/4 inches width (2490.A, spoon)
• 1/2 inches depth (2490.A, spoon)
• 9 inches length (2490.B, case)
• 3 inches width (2490.B, case)
• 2 1/2 inches depth (2490.B, case)

Subjects

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