Spoon (Sugar Shell), Russian Pattern
Caption
Reed & Barton (American, 1840–present). Spoon (Sugar Shell), Russian Pattern, Patented 1883. Silver plate, 6 1/4 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/8 in. (15.9 x 3.8 x 2.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased with funds given by Joseph V. Garry, 1989.75.2.
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Maker
Title
Spoon (Sugar Shell), Russian Pattern
Date
Patented 1883
Geography
Place made: Taunton, Massachusetts, United States
Medium
Silver plate
Classification
Dimensions
6 1/4 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/8 in. (15.9 x 3.8 x 2.9 cm)
Signatures
no signature
Inscriptions
On reverse, scripted initials: "H.G."
Markings
Stamped on back: "REED & BARTON 9 / PAT SEPT 25.1883"
Credit Line
Purchased with funds given by Joseph V. Garry
Accession Number
1989.75.2
Frequent Art Questions
What is the purpose of these scalloped spoons?
These are sugar spoons! They were made by Reed & Barton, a prominent American silver maker. During the 19th century, new technologies made it possible for flatware to be mass produced and accessible to the emerging middle class. This led to the rise of cutlery forms for very specific foods, such as sugar spoons, iced tea spoons, seafood forks, etc. Both of these spoons are silver plated, which was more affordable than solid silver flatware.
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