Artist/Maker Gorham Manufacturing Co. (active 1865-1961)

Souvenir spoon

ca. 1905

Silver

Overall: 6 × 1 1/8 × 3/4 in., 16.1 dwt (15.2 × 2.9 × 1.9 cm, 25 g)

Gift of Roberta Gratz

2009.28.19

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, bridge with train cars moving across, tower of building, and the words “NEW YORK”; on bowl, view of Statue of Liberty; all in relief; reverse plain.

MarkingsIn relief on reverse: lion in octagon, anchor in shield, gothic "G"?, "STERLING" / PAT. 1905"; stamped on reverse: "H428"

ClassificationsSILVER