Washington Souvenir Spoon
Manufacturer
Campbell Metcalf Silver Co.
CultureAmerican
Dateca. 1899
MediumSterling silver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/16 x 5 7/8 in. (3 x 14.9 cm)
InscribedMarked.
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number83.85
Not on view
DescriptionCommemorative spoon with a raised impression of the Capitol. Handle contains an axe, picture of tomb, Mt. Vernon, with medallion and bust of George Washington surmounted by an eagle. The reverse has an eagle over George Washington sitting down, a cherry tree, the Washington Monument and cannon. Engraved on bow "June 1799".Label TextCampbell Metcalf Silver Co. Providence, Rhode Island Washington Souvenir Spoon, ca. 1899 Sterling silver Bowl of spoon engraved: "June 17-99" Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 83.85 Made at about the time of the centennial of the hero's death, this late Victorian silver souvenir teaspoon is remarkably crowded with George Washington imagery. From the eagle at the tip of the handle to the bowl, we have a profile bust of Washington, Mount Vernon, Washington's tomb, a hatchet wrapped in the American flag, and an image of the Capitol at Washington, D.C. The back of the handle reveals young George chopping down the cherry tree, the Washington monument, and a cannon.Exhibition History"First in the Hearts of His Countrymen: America Remembers George Washington 1732-1799," Chrysler Museum of Art, Nov. 23, 1999 - Summer 2001. Published ReferencesRainwater, AMERICAN SILVER MANUFACTURERS, p. 27.
