|
Sale 12
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 863
A Rare and Fantastic Set of Steel Dies for the Making of Apostle Spoons. United States, c. 1916. We are very pleased to offer this complete set of dies that were made up for the most famous and oldest of collectible spoons, the Apostle Spoons. Each Apostle forms a set comprised of a "trimmer" die and punch, plus the front and back dies, artfully engraved, which impart the modeled image to the spoon's handle. Each Apostle is depicted as a bearded male (except for one), with varying hair styles and degrees of baldness (or lack of), and in long robes. The figures stand on elaborate bases. Each has a specific attribute he carries, along with a book of Gospels. Sets can vary depending on which of 15 or so individuals, that made up the Apostles, are included. In this group, the following are seen: Die 151; St. Peter, with a key. Die 152; St. Paul, holding a sword. Die 153; St. James the Major holding a pilgrim's staff. Die 154; St. Simon with a saw. Die 155; St. Philip with a long staff surmounted with a ball; the staff should be topped by a cross, so presumably the sphere should represent a globus cruciger finial. Die 156; St. Andrew holding a cross. Die 157; St. Matthew holding an axe (a less frequent attribute). Die 158; St. Thaddeus, or Jude, holding a halberd. Die 159; St. John clasping a chalice. Die 160; St. Bartholomew with a butcher's knife. Die 161; St. Thomas with a set-square. Lastly, Die 162; St. James the Minor, with a club. The reverse dies have the word "STERLING" on it, and below, the maker's mark of a crossed pick and shovel, plus M, B. This emblem was used by Joseph Mayer & Brothers, who worked in Seattle, Washington around the turn of the century, and manufactured sterling flatware and souvenir spoons. The renderings of the Apostles are of very high quality, indicating that there was a costly investment in producing the dies. As already indicated, each Apostle consists of 4 pieces. In addition, there is a "blanker" punch and cutting die for 154, that of St. Simon, plus a jig, or template, apparently for setting the depth of the punches.The material is very well preserved, and should one desire so, most of what is essential to restart production is here in this lot. Lot consists of a total of 51 pieces. Collectors or manufacturers, this offering is too good to pass up! The estimate for this set of dies is a fraction of what the costs would be today -- for the die fabricating, engineering, and set ups for production, initial costs for such quality works of art could easily reach or exceed $60,000 to $75,000!
Estimated Value $7,500-UP.
Apostle spoons, in modern terms, are one of the oldest form of collector silver spoons available. The finial is designed in the shape of one of the 12 Apostles, although the specific details and attributes of each apostle often varies from culture to culture, or period and location. A full set of Apostle spoons will consist of twelve or thirteen spoons, usually silver, with a small figure of one of the twelve Apostles at the end of each stem -- if a set of thirteen, Jesus also is then included (the Master spoon). The Apostles are distinguished from each other by their respective emblems or attributes -- usually the instrument of their death. Some Apostle spoons have been dated to the 1500's but these are exceedingly rare. Generally, they begin to appear with any frequency from the 17th century on.
Researching the history of these spoons, it seems they were most frequently gifted individually, rather than as complete sets (such a gift being reserved only for the wealthy). The bestowal of such a spoon was a generous gift indeed, as the majority of spoons at this time were made of wood, or at best, pewter. Since they were luxury items at all times, affluent relations or grandparents would typically buy one spoon representing a baby's "Apostle" and it would be presented to the child at its Christening. This spoon would be used only by that person and it would be kept for life. Thus we see that most of the old Apostle spoons show considerable wear both at the finial, and at the bowl. It is thought that the phrase "to be born with a silver spoon" comes from this tradition.
As mentioned, were manufacturers of quality silver flatware, clocks, and other decorative items in the Seattle area. The dies were produced by Joseph Mayers & Bros. around 1916. E.J. Towle Co. produced and marketed the spoons. After both companies eventually ceased and were sold, one of the Mayers son's requested the return of the dies and they remained in the family's possesion until 1994, where they were disbursed in the family estate sale. The above pieces are all that remain of the total production pieces. Apparently the dies and forms for stamping out the bowls no longer exist.
|
| |
| Realized $6,038 |
|
