Spoon

Paul Revere Jr.

1770–80 · Silver · The American Wing

The turned-back handle on this tablespoon became fashionable by the last quarter of the eighteenth century. Earlier spoons had been engraved on the back of the handle with initials or armorial devices and laid on the table backside up. With the new fashion, engraving moved to the front, and the spoon was set backside down. The die-stamped cartouche and the feather edging along each side of the handle are consistent with the new styling. The dolphin engraved within the cartouche is the crest of the Sargent family of Massachusetts. Revere's business records indicate that he supplied silver to several members of that family. He also engraved a bookplate for Epes Sargent in 1764.

Artist

Paul Revere Jr.

Date

1770–80

Medium

Silver

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1938