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Tablespoon, Shell Pattern

Decorative Arts and Design

On View: Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
MEDIUM Silverplate
DATES ca. 1880
DIMENSIONS 6 15/16 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/8 in.  (show scale)
MARKINGS no marks
SIGNATURE no signature
INSCRIPTIONS no inscriptions
ACCESSION NUMBER 1989.106.7
CREDIT LINE Gift of Joseph V. Garry
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION A silver plate dessert spoon with a plain bowl. The sides of the handle curve inward and then flare out gradually to a rounded projection that contains a molded scallop shell in a heart shape topped by paired scrolls. On the handle below this projection is a diminishing trail of knot design. Above the scallop projection are a pair of leafy stems out of which grows another larger heart shape that forms the crest of the handle topped by a semicircular, bluntly pointed, leafy projection. Paired scrolls and empty shield in heart shape at end of handle. Reverse with identical decoration plus paired small scrolls and paired leafy stems centering scallop design at transition of handle and bowl. Condition: Very good original condition. Wear on heel of bowl and on empty reserve on reverse of handle. Minor scratching and pitting in bowl.
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Luce Visible Storage and Study Center, 5th Floor
CAPTION Reed & Barton (American, 1840-present). Tablespoon, Shell Pattern, ca. 1880. Silverplate, 6 15/16 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/8 in. Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Joseph V. Garry, 1989.106.7. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1989.106.7_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 1989.106.7_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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