New Souvenir Spoon Book — Order Form Below

BLACK AMERICANA SOUVERNIR SPOONS

Robert M. Wilhelm

ISBN: 1-930796-14-5 — $45.00 [includes postage/shipping]

280 pages + ix [Introduction] + 688 Illustrations [110 in color] — 8 ½ x 11 Spiral Bound Volume

Published By

American Spoon Collectors & The Campanian Society

In recent years a number of books and articles have been published about Black Americana collectibles (advertising cards, housewares (salt and pepper shakers, cookie jars, spoon rests), toys, games and postcards. In these publications Black-themed souvenir spoons have scarcely been mentioned— if they are mentioned at all!

For many years, souvenir spoon collectors have ravenously searched out and purchased Black Americana souvenir spoons for their collections. There has been, however, virtually nothing published in the various souvenir spoon newsletters or spoon books about these spoons. Some collectors have claimed that the spoons are too racially offensive to publish; collectors, nevertheless, are spending (and have spent) thousands of dollars for individual Black-themed souvenir spoons (check out the prices on e-Bay, in mail auctions and at auction houses).

The subject of Black Americana souvenir spoons is a controversial one but it deserves attention and publication. During the 19^th century, racist imagery in newspapers, magazines, advertisements, illustrated books and on souvenir spoons was as American as apple pie. Appallingly crude racial and ethnic stereotypes were much favored by commercial concerns who regarded these "trade characters" (as they were called) to be friendly mascots. Today these images are considered demeaning at best, downright disgusting at worst.

The Black Americana souvenir spoons, however, would not have been made had there not been a ready market for them. Clearly this category of souvenir spoons was a profitable financial venture for silver companies. These spoons must be viewed within their historical and cultural context in the same way that a painting by Vermeer or a sculpture by Michelangelo must be studied and appreciated within their respective historical context.

In Black Americana Souvenir Spoons [see table of contents over page] has been assembled a wide variety of Black-themed souvenir spoons which were designed and marketed by more than twenty-two silver companies. The book is divided into three major sections [1] Black Americana spoons in honor of Abolitionists [2] Black Americana stereotypes on souvenir spoons and [3] Black Americana souvenir spoons produced by more than twenty-two silver companies. The book [280 pages] also includes an Introduction and Bibliography and 652 illustrations (of which 110 in are color).

Table of Contents

Introduction To Black Americana Souvenir Spoons

Section One

Black Americana Spoons in Honor of Abolitionists

In four chapters souvenir spoons manufactured to honor

four abolitionist leaders are treated.

ÿ John Brown — Abolitionist Liberator and Martyr.

ÿ Frederick Douglass — Abolitionist Agitator.

ÿ Harriet Beecher Stowe — Abolitionist Writer.

ÿ Booker T. Washington — Abolitionist Educator.

Section Two

Black Americana Stereotypes on Souvenir Spoons

In six separate chapters the major Black stereotypes which appeared on souvenir spoons

are examined to provide the historical and cultural background of

Black-themed souvenir spoons.

ÿ The Coon Stereotype on Souvenir Spoons.

ÿ The Watermelon Stereotype on Souvenir Spoons.

ÿ The Banjo Stereotype on Souvenir Spoons.

ÿ The Pickaninnies Stereotype on Souvenir Spoons.

ÿ The Mammy Stereotype on Souvenir Spoons.

ÿ The Cotton Picker Stereotype on Souvenir Spoons.

Section Three

Companies That Produced Black Americana Souvenir Spoons

At least twenty-two silver companies produced Black Americana souvenir spoons. Following

introductory comments about each silver company, the Black-themed souvenir spoons are identified,

illustrated and discussed; visual sources (postcards, original photographs, paintings and real people) for depictions of Blacks and scenes on souvenir spoons are identified wherever possible.

ÿ Alvin Mfg. Co. [Alvin-Beiderhase Co.]

ÿ Baker-Manchester Mfg. Co.

ÿ Campbell-Metcalf Silver Co.

ÿ Codding Bros & Heilborn Co.

ÿ Fessenden & Company.

ÿ Gorham Mfg. Co.

ÿ Hirsch and Oppenheimer.

ÿ Howard Sterling Co.

ÿ Oeschle, Albert.

ÿ Paye & Baker Mfg. Co.

ÿ Rogers, Lunt & Bowlen Co.

ÿ The Sterling Mfg. Co.

ÿ Shepard Mfg. Co.

ÿ George W. Shiebler & Co.

ÿ Stratford Silver Plate Co.

ÿ A.F. Towle & Son Co.

ÿ Towle Silversmiths.

ÿ R. Wallace & Sons Mfg. Co.

ÿ Watson, Newell & Co.

ÿ Wendell Mfg. Co.

ÿ Roger Williams Silver Co.

ÿ Sterling, Silverplate, No Maker Marks.

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BLACK AMERICANA SOUVERNIR SPOONS

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Wilhelm. Black Americana Souvenir Spoons. ISBN 1-930796-14-5

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[Includes Postage/Shipping by Priority Mail]

Payment: Check or money order, payable to: American Spoon Collectors

Send to: American Spoon Collectors, P.O. Box 243, Rhinecliff, NY 12574-0243

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PayPal Payment should be sent to: campania@hvc.rr.com