Bonbon spoon

1890-1910

Maker

Whiting Manufacturing Co. (c. 1866-1924)

Measurements

4-1/2 in x 2 in x 5/8 in

Materials

Silver with a gold-washed bowl

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1177

Inscription

“STERLING” is stamped into the handle at the bowl and is preceded by a maker’s mark, probably a lion passant.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Comments

This bonbon spoon has a wide, scallop-edged bowl, pierced to resemble a metal mesh.  The handle, also pierced, displays a floral vine with a round floral device near the middle of the shaft and a fan of five ribs at the tip.  For the same handle on a teaspoon, see accession no. 1971.1139.

Bonbon spoons were used to hold bonbons, nuts, and similar condiments without use of one's fingers.  They were popular from the late 1880s to the 1910s and at various times until about 1955.  

Although catalogued among Mary Warner’s extensive collection of souvenir spoons, this spoon was not created as a souvenir.