Artist/Maker
Shepard Manufacturing Company
(active 1893–ca. 1923)
Spoon
1911–1923
Silver
Overall: 5 1/2 x 1 1/4 x 7/8 in. (14 x 3.2 x 2.2 cm)
Gift of Roberta Gratz
2009.28.86
This spoon is part of a collection of 407 New York-themed spoons donated by journalist and urban critic Roberta Brandes Gratz in 2009. During the 1880s, American travelers began collecting spoons in earnest as souvenirs of European cities. Anticipating a demand for American souvenir flatware, a few savvy U.S. manufacturers began patenting designs around 1889. New York City subjects appeared on spoons almost immediately. Gorham became the first major factory to produce New York City spoons, joining the craze in 1891. By 1893, Tiffany & Co. offered eighteen different souvenir spoons featuring New York City landmarks at prices ranging from $2 to $5.
DescriptionSterling silver souvenir spoon; on obverse of handle, from finial to bowl, Seal of New York State, shaft of wheat, and the words, “NEW YORK”; on bowl, view of the “NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY”; on reverse, from finial to bowl, eagle of the Great Seal of the United States, figure of justice holding scale and knife; all in relief; reverse of bowl engraved “Nan Foley / Aug., 19 / ‘06.”MarkingsIn relief: on reverse: "S" [in circle] / "STERLING"
ClassificationsSILVER
