Hand-carved Revolutionary War horn spoon, dated “1771”, as in museums

Being offered is a carved spoon from a Revolutionary War collection I acquired. The spoon is carved from horn and measures 6 ¼” long and the bowl 1” wide. Carved into the handle is the letter “A”, followed by the date “1771”.

Sometimes these items were created out of necessity, but in some cases just to kill time. Also, it was a common pastime for soldiers in prisons or hospitals.

During the War, Americans, French, and British usually had pewter or iron utensils, but there were many cases where these horn spoons worked just as well. In the Revolutionary War Museum and Valley Forge Museum, there is an examples of these spoons on display (see pictures). This would go great with a soldier’s personal effects and it comes in the glass top display case pictured.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in sales.