Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Ralston Butter Pick, 1861 |
Object Name |
Pick, Eating |
Description |
Ralston Butter Pick, 1861. Solid silver. Pick has a single tine that is slightly bent near base, a narrow smooth neck and a fan-shaped end. Handle tip has a pressed feather/fan motif; back has a scroll work border with "R" inscribed in the center. |
Date |
1861 |
Creator |
Shreve & Co., San Francisco |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Catalog Number |
1972.090.011J |
Dimensions |
H-0.25 W-5 D-0.75 inches |
Collection |
3D - Food Service Tools & Equipment |
Inscription Text |
"R" (inscribed on handle end); "KATANT 1861 GEO. C. SHREVE & CO."(stamped into back of neck) |
Provenance |
Was used at the William C. Ralston Estate. |
Notes |
Butter picks are basically fancier butter knives, and were used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Most butter picks were corkscrewed in order to serve the butter in individual curls; this one, however, is straight. [https://beverlybremersilver.wordpress.com/2009/10/07/what-is-the-history-of-the-silver-butter-dish-and-how-is-it-used/ 10/27/2017] Shreve & Co. were jewelry and silverware manufacturers, founded in San Francisco in 1852. The "R" inscription likely stands for Ralston. |
Search Terms |
Ralston Estate Silver Silver - Serving Pieces |
Subjects |
Butter Eating & drinking Silver Silverware |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Merrill |