Description:
One of a set of eleven silver teaspoons (HD 82.158-82.168, formerly numbered HD 82.134-82.145) with pointed oval handles with bright-cut engraving, squat oval bowls, and elongated oval-shaped drops on the back of the bowls, which are marked "BP" in a rectangle stamped on the back for Benjamin Pierpont (1730-1797), and engraved with the initials "SP" in script on the handle. The ornamental handles, which are good examples of the neoclassical style in American flatware, also show off the skills of Benjamin Pierpont as an engraver with their bright-cut ovals and shields with pendant foliage. Despite their delicate appearance, the teaspoons are sturdily fashioned with deceptively thick shanks and deep, strong bowls. The set probably originally had twelve spoons; 18th century silversmith shop records, such as those of Paul Revere and the Richardsons of Philadelphia, suggest that spoons were generally purchased by the half-dozen or dozen. It was only in the 19th century that large services of flatware, with matching patterns of forks and spoons for various uses, were ordered en suite.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+82.168 |
