Artist/Maker Alvin Manufacturing Co. (active 1886 - 1919)

Spoon

1886–1919

Silver

Overall: 5 7/8 x 1 1/4 x 3/4 in. (14.9 x 3.2 x 1.9 cm)

Gift of Roberta Gratz

2009.28.134

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 with monuments of New York City; on obverse of handle, from finial to bowl, views of “STATUE OF LIBERTY,” “WASHINGTON ARCH,” and “GRANT’S TOMB”; the words “GREATER-NEW-YORK” below; on bowl, view of “NEW YORK AND BROOKLYN BRIDGE”; on reverse, from finial to bowl, views of “HENRY WARD BEECHER 1813-1887,” “GRANT’S MONUMENT”, and “MEMORIAL ARCH”; the words “ENTRANCE TO PROSPECT PARK” below; all in relief.

MarkingsIn relief: on reverse: "A" [in cartouche flanked by left cartouche with griffin, right with sword and crescent moon] / "STERLING" [in square]

ClassificationsSILVER