Tablespoon, "Stamp tax" tablespoon
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This is an object of considerable historical importance. The spoon is from an original set that Landon Carter (1710-1778) of Sabine Hall, Richmond County, Virginia, ordered through his factors in London in 1766. It was engraved, like the others in the set, at his direction in celebration of the repeal of the Stamp Act in that year. The underside of each handle is inscribed "LC / 1766 / REPEAL OF THE AMERICAN / Stamp Act." The spoons bear the highly probable mark of Thomas and William Chawner, who were specialist flatware makers. Carter had been a leader in the protest of the Stamp Act and was prideful in his early questioning of the necessity of representation in the presence of taxation.
Silver tablespoon with a round up-turned handle, a long drop, and an oval bowl. Engraved on the back of the handle: "LC/ 1766/ REPEAL of the AMERICAN/ Stamp Act"
Mark(s): "T•C/ W•C" in relief within a square for Thomas and William Chawner (Grimwade 3816); lion passant; leopard's head crowned; illegible date letter.
Inscription(s): "LC/ 1766/ REPEAL of the AMERICAN/ Stamp Act" engraved on the back of the handle.
Provenance: By direct descent from Landon Carter to Mrs. and Mrs. Beverley Randolph Welford.
