Artist/Maker
Whiting Manufacturing Co.
(active 1866 - 1926)
Spoon
1897
Silver
Overall: 5 x 2 1/2 x 3/4 in. (12.7 x 6.4 x 1.9 cm)
Gift of Roberta Gratz
2009.28.228
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, blank cartouche with Knight’s helmet, foliage; on round, scallop-edged bowl, etched view of “GRANT MONUMENT / NEW YORK” in relief; on reverse, foliage.MarkingsIn relief: on reverse: "STERLING" [in square] / "W" [in shield held by chimera in square], In marker: on reverse of bowl: 1G10
ClassificationsSILVER
