The Lost Code

Tin Casting Ladle, Spoon Mold, Spoon

19th century
Wood, bronze, iron, tin
L. 48 cm (casting ladle)
L. 22 cm (spoon mold)
L.18 cm (tin spoon)
Since tin is not the hardest of metals, people salvaged it by melting down worn or broken tin spoons in a crucible. The liquid tin was then poured into a mold where it hardened in a few seconds. Once removed from the mold, the spoons were filed and polished to a shiny finish. Traveling spoon melters disappeared with the arrival of steel utensils, which replaced tin ones over a century ago.
Parks Canada collection, Québec
Manoir Mauvide-Genest collection (tin spoon reproduction)