Souvenir Spoons

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Excerpt from Souvenir Spoons: Containing Descriptions and Illustrations of the Principle Designs Produced in the United States For many centuries the people of the civilized world have treasured among their possessions specimens of plate. In the olden times, before the days of securities and bonds, when one wanted a portable security the only thing was to have either plate or jewels. The jewels were easily convertible into cash, while the plate, put into the melting pot, served as a ready currency. With the vicissitudes of family and country many specimens of plate of the old school were lost to the world through the melting pot, but enough has passed down to us to show the beauty and delicacy of the workmanship. The melting and remodelling of this old silver has given us specimens of different silversmiths and periods. In many of the old European families, who have been able to keep up their ancient grandeur for centuries, there are preserved in their silver chests examples of different workmen. During the last few years the financial embarrassment of many of the noble houses, and the reckless extravagance of some of the younger scions, have necessitated the selling of many specimens which have been bought by our wealthy Americans, and also by the rich classes in Europe. Many of our American tourists in travelling in Europe have bought at comparatively reasonable prices these examples of different centuries of silversmiths. The popularity of making these collections finally moved the European silversmiths to produce imitations of these old spoons, each city having its characteristic plate, and spoons became the most fashionable articles to use in making these collections. Some of the spoons which were produced are of rare beauty, and are worth a position on the shelves of the most enthusiastic connoisseur. About eighteen months ago Mr. Daniel Low, of Salem, to whom is given the credit of introducing souvenir spoons in this country, made a trip to Europe, where he brought home some beautiful examples from European silversmiths. Conceiving the idea of producing a spoon which would embody the traditions and legends of Salem, he had a die made for the Salem "Witch" Spoon. This spoon had an immense sale: others were produced, until it is now estimated that there are fully two thousand two hundred souvenir spoons in this country. Some of these spoons are exceedingly beautiful, the best efforts of the silversmiths being expended on their production, while many of them are commemorative of places and events, there arc a number which arc appropriate souvenirs of individuals. In many instances the spoons bear accurate likenesses of noted individuals upon them. Many a legend which has long been forgotten in the town of its origin, many a beautiful story which has long since been lost, have been happily brought to mind, and tradition honored by its incorporation in the souvenir spoon. Mr. J. H. Buck, whose exhaustive work on old plate has become the standard, says that "it is a fact that for ages the very first gift which a boy or girl received consisted of one or more spoons, these being the established presents by sponsors at christenings. "The spoons given were called 'Apostle' spoons because, the handle of each was carved into the figure of an apostle with his appropriate emblem. "This habit was in imitation of the heathen, who introduced the figures of their gods upon almost every utensil. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com