Artist/Maker
Alvin Manufacturing Co.
(active 1886 - 1919)
Spoon
1903
Silver
Overall: 4 x 3/4 x 1/2 in. (10.2 x 1.9 x 1.3 cm)
Gift of Roberta Gratz
2009.28.326
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, views of “GRANTS TOMB”, “WASHINGTON ARCH”, and “STATUE OF LIBERTY”, and the words, “GREATER NEW YORK”; on bowl, view of “CITY HALL / NEW YORK”; all in relief; reverse plain.Markingsin relief: on reverse: "A" [in cartouche flanked by left cartouche with griffin, right with sword and crescent moon] / "STERLING", In marker: on reverse of bowl: 2C2
ClassificationsSILVER
