Souvenir spoon: Benjamin Franklin
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1892-1900
Maker
Hamilton & Diesinger (1881-1900)
Measurements
5-5/8 in x 1-1/4 in x 1/2 in
Materials
Silver
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.
Accession Number
1971.1064
Inscription
“PHILADELPHIA” is in raised lettering on the handle stem. “FRANKLIN” is on the underside of the handle stem. “STERLING” with the Hamilton & Diesinger touchmark below. “MCW” is engraved inside the bowl,
Provenance
Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner
Comments
The spoon features a well-sculpted full-length portrait of Benjamin Franklin holding a kite in his right hand. The continuation of the handle below his feet identifies Philadelphia. On the back of the handle in the same location is the name Franklin.
The Hamilton & Diesinger maker’s mark within a keystone outline is on the back. The partnership included Matthew F. Hamilton and Herman Diesinger.
Bibliography
Accumulation & Display: Mass Marketing Household Goods in America, 1880-1920 (The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, 1986), no. 201, p. 144.
