Shell spoon
United States or Europe
1875-1925
Measurements
5 in x 1-1/4 in x 3/4 in
Materials
Mother-of-pearl (or nacre), silver
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.
Accession Number
1971.1054
Provenance
Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner
Comments
This small spoon is made of brightly iridescent mother-of-pearl (also called nacre) and silver. The bowl is a shallow shell, polished to its present shape and surface texture. A short silver tab, twisted twice in the middle, is riveted to the shell bowl and to the handle. The handle is especially vibrant.
Although catalogued among Mary Warner’s extensive collection of souvenir spoons, this spoon was not created as a souvenir. However, its elegance suggests it was not intended for much table use.
