Metal Detecting Find ID Help

I found this silver spoon last month. I've been researching it online and know it is a souvenir silver spoon from Nebraska. I have found similar spoons to mine, however, I have not been able to find this exact spoon and thus can't determine a date on it. The spoon has a picture of a building and reads "Court House" and then "Grand Island, NEB." On the top of the handle it reads "Before Equality the Law." If anyone has knowledge of this exact spoon please let me know.

 

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Cool find! Retail value $25:

http://store.nexternal.com/allens/hall-county-court-house-grand-island-nebraska-p1200550.aspx

 

Thanks Topcat I appreciate it. I had seen the spoon in the link you posted, but it's not quite the same as mine. I can't seem to find one with all of the exact engravings as mine.

 

I think it's 1911 according to eBay http://m.ebay.com/itm/Court-House-G...-Souvenir-Spoon-1911-/201081889166?nav=SEARCH

 

Thanks Eric. I had seen the 1911 but since the engravings on the handle are different I wasn't sure if it would be from the same date. I haven't been able to find any information on how many of these Grand Island ones were produced and if they were produced at different times.

 

I'm not at home but I have a book on antique silverware if by the time I get home you don't find anything I'll see if it's in there. Btw nice find

 

Thank you for checking Eric I appreciate it. Will definitely like to know if it's in there.

 

How do these even get buried? Nice Find.

 

I'm with you there. I almost didn't dig it because it was a really iffy signal, stuck in with a couple of bolts. Crazy thing is I'm nowhere near Nebraska here in Eastern, PA.

 

I have really rotten luck with a metal detector, never dug anything up, never will.

 

It definitely takes time and practice, and above all else good ground. Unfortunately good ground seems to be getting harder and harder to find.

 

just about everywhere around me is state property or private owned by people who will absolutely not let you on the property even if you offer to give them what you find :-/

 

Agreed, a lot of place around me have told me I can use the detector on the land but can't dig.

 

forget that, that's like going to an all you can eat buffet but not able to eat anything..whats the point

 

One of the reasons ppl don't want ppl digging up their property because all the rookies that go dig basements in yards and it looks like crap and they leave trash ECT..another is because of these dumb detecting shows that make it seem like every dig is a good dig and the detector is going to walk off their property with a valuable artifact without telling them. Oh how I miss the old days when land was more accessible

 

There are a few of detectorists here and I personally feel your pain. Same here with all the 2nd home owners from N.Y. But, do get yourself some older USGS maps, they are online and free. The come in four parts (quadrants) and you have to splice them together but in the end, they are worth the effort. They will show all of the buildings for the time period and though it may take some serious hiking on your part, you are likely going to find areas that are still not posted in there somewhere. I know I have. Just make extra sure you are not on conservation property as if you get caught, the fines can be serious. River banks can be a find also as I have found two dumps on the side of a local river and found some nice vintage bottles. Widen your scope a bit, not just for coins but also artifacts. Most farmers do not mind as long as you mention you are a serious person who fills all the holes afterwards. Many nice farm implements I've posted here were the result of that. Good luck to you and nice find on the spoon.

 

Sorry heuvy31 but my book doesnt have that one just the plain handle one from 1911, i'll assume its from the same year just a fancier version but could be wrong. Check this site out it has tons of spoons listed you may find it here. https://www.etsy.com/search?q=souvenir spoons&ref=market

 

Thank you for checking I appreciate it. I will check out the link you sent as well. Does your book mention anything about the company that made them?

 

Mechanics Sterling Co.