A very rare 17th century coin 'Dog-nose' spoon with a rat-tail bowl, New York c.1690
"A museum piece" is a term I avoid using but, in this case, I think the description is justified. This dog-nose spoon, the pattern was used from c.1685 to c.1720, is in very fine condition with very little tip-wear. It was made by Henricus Boelen, 1661-1691, one of the pioneer silversmiths of America, in New York, certainly, before 1691 when an untimely death ended an apparently promising career. His brother Jacob and nephew Henricus ll are also noted silversmiths. His products are extremely rare, mostly in the hands of museums and old New York families.
Originally, the dognose pattern was thought to have morphed from the earlier trifid around about 1720.
However, in the last 10 years or so there have been numerous authenticated examples down to as early as 1685.
This is the case in England. When the pattern was first introduced in Holland is anyone's guess, but certainly predating England. I mention Holland only because both Boelen and New York were Dutch in the late 17th century.