Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Ralston Serving Spoon, c. 1852-1915 |
Object Name |
Spoon, Serving |
Description |
Ralston Serving Spoon. Solid silver. Spoon has an oblong bowl with a slightly pointed tip, a narrow neck that flares into a teardrop-shaped end. Handle has a pressed linear border with raised circles. "LR" is inscribed on top of handle end. |
Date |
c. 1852-1915 |
Creator |
Shreve & Co., San Francisco |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Catalog Number |
1972.090.011Q |
Dimensions |
H-1.25 W-8.5 D-2 inches |
Collection |
3D - Food Service Tools & Equipment |
Inscription Text |
"LR" (inscribed on top front of handle); "GC & SS SHREVE." (stamped into back of neck) |
Provenance |
Was used at the William C. Ralston Estate. |
Notes |
Shreve & Co. were jewelry and silverware manufacturers, founded in San Francisco in 1852. According to (1), this maker's stamp was used from 1852 to 1857; but according to (2), flatware production did not start until the 1880s and possibly not until as late as 1904. However, (3) does not list this pattern as being one of the ones manufactured after 1904, so it is possible that its records are incomplete and/or that this spoon was made earlier. [(1) https://witherells.com/lot/g-c-s-s-shreve-1852-1857-silver-ladle-23248410/25/2017 (2) http://www.chineseargent.com/home/shreve-co-patterns10/25/2017 (3) http://www.925-1000.com/patterns_Shreve.html10/25/2017 ] The "LR" inscription could refer to Elizabeth "Lizzie" Fry Ralston, wife of William C. Ralston. Identical to 1972.090.011R |
Search Terms |
Ralston Estate Ralston, Elizabeth San Francisco Silver Silver - Serving Pieces |
Subjects |
Eating & drinking Silver Silverware Spoons |
People |
Ralston, Elizabeth |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Merrill |