American Spoon Collectors
Souvenir Spoon Resources
And
Educational Materials for Research and for Purchase
Important Resource Books for
the Souvenir Spoon Collector
(listed in
alphabetical order)
Books
Available to Purchase
The books listed below are available for purchase either on Amazon.com
or from a bookseller or individual whose e-mail address is listed below.
Apkarian-Russell, Pamela E. A Collector's Guide to Salem Witchcraft and Souvenirs. (Schiffer Publishing Ltd.: West Chester, PA., 1998). ISBN: 0-76430-425-9
Very interesting information with 15 good color plates showing the
Salem Witch Souvenir Spoons.
Bednersh, Wayne. Collectible Souvenir Spoons. Identifications and Values. (Collector Books: Paducah, KY., 1998). ISBN: 1-57432-063-7.
This book is available on Amazon.com
Bednersh, Wayne. Collectible Souvenir Spoons. The Grand Tour. Book II. (Collector Books: Paducah, KY., 2001). ISBN: 1-57432-189-7.
This book is available on Amazon.com
Dolan, Maryanne. 1830's – 1990's American Sterling Silver Flatware: A Collector's Identification & Value Guide. (Books Americana: Florence, AL., 1993). ISBN: 0-89689-095-3.
This book is fully illustrated and includes Early Silversmiths and
Current Major Silver Flatware Companies. This book is available on Amazon.com
Hagan, Tere. Sterling Flatware Identification and Value Guide. (L-W Book Sales: 1991). ISBN: 0-8953-813-6.
For the Souvenir Spoon Collector this book will be
very useful for identifying souvenir spoons with pattern handles. This aspect of souvenir spoon
collecting (souvenir spoons with pattern handles) has been vastly
underestimated as a category of souvenir spoon collecting.
In this book (312 pages) are illustrated over 2,000
different flatware patterns by many of the best-known American silver
manufacturers: Gorham, Tiffany, Reed & Barton, Towle, Kirk-Stieff,
Shiebler, Durgin, Dominick & Haff, Wallace Silversmiths, Watson
Silversmiths, Whiting Mfg Co., Alvin, Georg Jensen, Oneida and International.
Many less well known companies are also well represented: Tuttle, Coles, Duhme,
Royal Crest, Schofield, Unger Bros., Old Newbury Crafters, Amston, Mauser Mfg.
Co., National Silver Company, Paye & Baker, Porter Blanchard, Manchester
Silver Co., State House, Wood & Hughes, Polhamus and many more.
This is the Revised
2nd Edition, published in 1999 by Tere Hagan. These are NEW copies. For the
reader's convenience there is a manufacturers index, a pattern-name index and
manufacturers' marks index. There is also a copy of a 1908 Towle Old Colonial
catalog in the back of this book identifying over 100 pieces of flatware, which
can be a great help for identifying unusual pieces of silverware.
Illustrations of Souvenirs In Sterling Silver Spoons, Forks and Novelties Accompanied by Numbers, Descriptions and List Prices. (Watson & Newell Co.: Attleboro, Mass. n.d).
The introduction states: "On the pages following we have
illustrated sterling silver souvenir spoons representing subjects of interest
throughout the United State and Mexico, also apostle, birthday, city, state,
floral, fruit, college and ledge spoons. Using our handle patterns in
connection with our collection of bowl-die, etching, painting and engraving
subjects, every dealer may originate unique and attractive souvenirs for his
locality. The possibilities with our line, grown to its extensive proportions,
are unlimited. Not only are our spoons by reason of deep, fine die cutting
creditable reproductions of the subjects employed but are well made, good
weight and serviceable."
For additional information and ordering a copy of the Reprint, contract: Norma Bowen, Membership Chairwoman, The Northeastern Spoon Collectors Guild.
James, George B. Souvenir Spoons. Containing Descriptions and Illustration of the Principal Designs Produced in the United States. (A.W. Fuller & Co.: Boston, Mass., 1891). Reprinted in 1956.
The introduction states: "In the following pages care has been
taken to give a description of the spoon, represented by a short account of the
legend which supports the design, as well as a short biography of the
individual, and a summary of the history of the town or locality. As far as it
has been possible, the price of the different pieces has been given. This it
not by any means a complete list of the spoons of the country, but comprises
some of the principal ones. It is hoped that this edition may meet with such
success that the compiler may be emboldened to print another which will give a
more complete list of the new spoons.
To order this book, contact: Bill Boyd, 510 SE Bayberry Lane, Lee's Summit, MO 64063-4355.
McGlothlin, Chris A. World's Fair Spoons. Volume 1: The World's Columbian Exposition. (Florida Rare Coin Galleries, Inc.: Tallahassee, FL., 1985). ISBN: 0-9614824-0-0.
The World's Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago in
1891, was staged to commemorate the discovery of America four hundred (plus
one) years earlier. It was one of the grandest of all World's Fairs, and it
came at an opportune time for silver manufacturers, Souvenir spoon collecting
in the United States was, at that time, a fledgling hobby which was attracting
interest nationwide. The 1893 Fair with it s millions of visitors provided a
ready market for spoon makers. In all likelihood, more commemorative spoons
were produced for the World's Columbian Exposition than for any other event in
history.
With this volume, McGlothlin presents that incredible array of Columbian spoons. These spoon are exhibited in actual-size photographs with detailed descriptions and a wealth of additional information. Historical data on Chicago and the fair, tips for collectors, and a pricing guide are also included.
To order this book, contact: Chris A. McGlothlin.
Pach, Jacqueline S. and Robert M. Wilhelm. An Alphabet Book for Spoon Collectors and Children. "Baby Spoon's New Handle" and A Compendium of Souvenir Spoons. (Campanian Society, Inc.: Oxford, OH, 1999). ISBN: 0-9662763-0-2.
Every souvenir spoon has a story worth telling and one
which is worth knowing. In this superbly illustrated book An Alphabet
Book for Spoon Collectors and Children, the authors have assembled a splendid collection of souvenir spoons
to illustrate each letter of the alphabet. Each souvenir spoon has a story behind it and one that it
willing tells to all who will listen.
This book has two integrated parts: For the avid spoon
collector there is A Compendium of Souvenir Spoons in which each of the 137 spoons are identified and
referenced: detailed descriptions, patent information, makers' marks,
trademarks, type of spoon and references to major spoon resources, books and
articles. For each example, there is a Spoon History in which essential
information is given about the spoon itself and about the details represented
on the spoon handle and in the bowl (e.g. cities, buildings, persons, occasion
for issue, artistic commentary, etc.). The Compendium of Souvenir Spoons (168 pages with detailed photographs) will provide
much useful information both for the novice and the advanced collector of
spoons.
These 137 souvenir spoons are illustrated in Baby
Spoon's New Handle, an alphabet
primer that takes the reader along with Baby Spoon as he searches for a new
handle. In the past children ate with curved baby spoons and in time graduated
to a straight-handled spoon: a momentous event, part of growing up and leaving
behind childish things. In the beautifully illustrated story, Baby Spoon searches
for a new handle, but there are so many from which to choose; each handle has
its own unique history and character. Which handle will it be?: the handle with the alligator? the
buffalo? the crab? the elephant? the fish? the horse? the king? the lighthouse?
the ostrich? the penguin? the rabbit? the stork? the turtle? the umbrella? The
windmill? And, who will make the decision: Mother Chantilly? Father Wallace? or Baby Spoon? Which
handle will be just the right one for Baby Spoon?
Richly illustrated with 170 high quality photographs of unique and interesting souvenir spoons, this book is both for Spooners and children. With this book children will learn their ABCs by following Baby Spoon's search for a new handle: the 26 letters of the alphabet are illustrated with spoon handles on which are depicted easily recognizable images representing each letter. Accompanying written letters reinforce the learning process. Souvenir spoon collectors will want this book in their reference library for its valuable resources, extensive discussion of each souvenir spoons and detailed index. This book will bring many hours of delight to all collectors of souvenir spoons and to children.
For a review of this book, see: Silver Magazine. To order this book, contact Robert M. Wilhelm at: Campanian Society, Inc. Cost: $30.00 (plus handling/shipping: $4.00).
Paye & Baker Manufacturing Co. Silversmiths. Catalog No. 50. (North Attleboro, Mass.: 1908). This is a reprint of the original May, 1908 Catalog 50. (Diane Zinn).
The introduction states: "This, our fiftieth catalog, is proof of
our growth and progress, and our constantly increasing patronage bears witness
to the general salability of our goods and the straightforwardness of our
methods. Ours is an honest line of sterling silverware, and implicit confidence
may be placed in the accuracy of illustrations and descriptions. . . . This
catalog is representative, but it is by no means complete, and new pieces are
being added every day in the year."
For additional information and ordering a copy of the Reprint, contract: Norma Bowen, Membership Chairwoman, The Northeastern Spoon Collectors Guild.
Rainwater, Dorothy T. Encyclopedia of America Silver Manufacturers. Third Edition. (Schiffer Publishing Ltd.: West Chester, PA., 1986). ISBN: 0-88740-046-9.
This book is an essential resource for every souvenir
spoon collector. Absolutely invaluable!
Rainwater, Dorothy T. and Donna H. Felger. American Spoons: Souvenir and Historical. (Schiffer Publishing Ltd.: West Chester, PA., 1990). ISBN: 0-88740-266-6.
The spoons whose
stories are told in this volume range from a diamond encrusted one-of-a-kind
spoons given by a group of diamond cutters to the silver plated promotional
items used to sell newspapers and breakfast cereals. Perhaps the first spoons
used by man were simply shells picked up on the beaches, or chips of wood
called spon from which our word
spoon is derived. American spoons as commemorative items (according to
Rainwater and Felger) began with the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge Spoon
patented by Myron H. Kinsley in 1881. Within a few years of the popularity of
commemorative spoons quickly spread as ideal mementoes for practically every
conceivable event, personage, or natural wonder.
George and Martha Washington were the first people of
note to appear on American spoons when their designs were trademarked by the
Galt Company in 1890, but the spoons generally credited with launching the
souvenir spoon craze were the Salem Witch spoons whose trademark was registered
January 13, 1891 by the Daniel Low Company and used on countless small sterling
silver articles.
These trademarked designs were followed by others but
the greatest number of designs were patented. It is these patented designs
which form the basis for this volume. They commemorate famous people, tell of
the winning of the West, the days of the Forty Niners, world fairs, sports,
holidays, commercial ventures and much more. The text is visually enhanced by
more than 800 illustrations; eight full-color plates and about sixty pages
reproduced from old trade catalogs.
American Spoons can be read as a book of history as well as an account of the many
types of spoons made to suit the varied needs and whims of mankind. A unique
feature of this volume is the section of biographical notes – brief
sketches of silver designers and the companies for whom they worked.
This book is indispensable for any souvenir spoon collector. This book is available from numerous booksellers and on Amazon.com
Rainwater, Dorothy T. and Donna H. Felger. A Collector's Guide to Spoons Around the World. (Schiffer Publishing Ltd.: West Chester, PA., 1992). ISBN: 0-88740-425-1.
This book is the latest work by Dorothy T. Rainwater and Donna H. Felger. Thousands of practical and specialized spoons from all parts of the world are described here. Besides hundreds of clear photographs with captions and extensive text, old manufacturers' catalog pages are included, documenting the makers, dates, names and styles of special spoons so that identification is possible. The 16-page color section presents spoons with colored enamel decoration, gold bowls, and intricate detail, which make a lively display. The extensive bibliography and index will aid serious researchers, and spoon collectors, dealers, and appraisers will find this an essential reference to replace all others. Over 1,000 souvenir spoons illustrated. A price guide is included. If you are interested in learning more about Souvenir Spoons, this is a great book to have in your library. This book is extremely useful for any souvenir spoon collector who collects souvenir spoons from around the world. Also includes a section on Canadian and American souvenir spoons.
This book is invaluable for any souvenir spoon collector. This book is available from numerous booksellers and on Amazon.com
Turner, Noel D. American Silver Flatware 1837-1910. (A.S. Barnes and Co., Inc.: London, 1972). SBN: 498-06580-4.
A comprehensive and extremely useful book. The 1972 edition will be
found only at a used bookstore or in the library of a collector. The book was
republished by Alan Wofsy Fine Arts in 1997 (ISBN: 1556602847) and will
generally be found in a museum bookstore; it is available at Amazon.com. The
book provides some pictures and has a wealth of historical information for
flatware from 1837-1910. This book is extremely useful for identifying pattern
handles produced prior to 1910.
Resource
Books
The following books are out-of-print. They may often
be found at a used bookstore.
Most libraries will have copies of the following books.
Caron, Jonathan F. American Souvenir Teaspoon Handbook. (Odyssey Press Inc.: Dover NH., 1992). ISBN: 0-9628713-0-3
The genesis of this book was a very simple idea: to
create a single comprehensive source of practical information for spoon
collectors. Spoon collectors,
especially neophytes, need help identifying spoons, recognizing manufacturers'
makers, estimating prices, organizing their collections, and doing business
with other collectors and dealers. This book is aimed at providing spoon
collectors with a practical resource to aid them in pursing their hobby. The
book is out of print and will be available only from other collectors and from
booksellers.
A revised edition of this book may be reprinted in the future. Contact the author: Jonathan F. Caron.
Carpenter, Jr., Charles H. Gorham Silver. 1881-1981. (Dodd, Mead & Company: New York, 1982). ISBN: 0-396-08068-5. (Revised edition, 1997 published by Alan Wofsy Fine Arts).
This book covers all of Gorham's silverwork. Includes chapters on coin
silver, souvenir spoons, sterling flatware and Gorham marks.
Carpenter, Jr., Charles H. with Mary G. Carpenter. Tiffany Silver. (Dodd, Mead & Company: New York, 1984). ISBN: 0-396-08338-2).
A comprehensive study of Tiffany silverware. Includes chapters on
souvenir spoons, tableware with spoons and hallmarks.
Hardt, A. Souvenir Spoons of the 90's:AS Pictured and
Described in "The Jewelers' Circular" and The James Catalogue in 1891.
(Printed Privately: New York, 1962, 1967, 1972).
This book is a reprint of Souvenir Spoons of
America published by Jeweler's
Circular (1891) and sections from Souvenir Spoons by George B. James (1891). All spoons illustrated are
American. "The stories accompanying each spoon give bits of American
history, some of it particularly fascinating . . . an interesting and valuable
guide to souvenir spoon collectors. Hobbies. Often called the "Spoon Bible," this book
is generally considered to be indispensable to advanced and beginning
collectors alike. A total of 329 different
designs of souvenir spoons are described and shown, each one commemorative of
American people, places and events. This is an important book but the index is
virtually useless and often incorrect with numerous spoon references omitted.
The book is out of print and will be available only from other collectors and
from booksellers.
Hardt, A. Adventuring Further in Souvenir Spoons. (Privately Printed: New York, 1965, 1971). LC:65-28707
"This is a dedicated spoon detective's story of a
search for souvenir spoons that have not been shown in earlier books on the
subject. . . . The Tiffany materials, assembled from Tiffany Blue Books, is
most important. . . . The 15 Tiffany illustrations given are of actual working
drawings used in the Tiffany workrooms, of much more unusual interest than
photographs of the spoons would have been." The Spinning Wheel. The book is out of print and will be available only
from other collectors or from booksellers.
Hardt, A. Third Harvest of Souvenir Spoons. (Printed Privately: New York, 1969). SBN: 911708-03-0
The photograph in this book are very good; information
about the individual souvenir spoons, however, is sparse or non-existent (no
makers marks or any other information on the reverse of the spoons are provided
— a serious omission on Hardt's part). Includes chapters: The States;
Fraternal; The Cities; The Holidays and Fun Characters; People; Groves of
Academe; The South; Cowboys and Indians; A Medley of Spoons. The book is out of
print and will be available only from other collectors or from booksellers.
Hardt, A. New Discoveries in Historical Spoons: Souvenirs of United States and Canada. (Greenwich Press: New York, 1979). ISBN: 911708-05-7
New delights are to be found in this gala collection of souvenir spoons
of World's Fairs, Indiana, mining camps, the West, colorful enamel spoons and
the Novel and Curious. One of the discoveries unfolded here (according to
Hardt) is that the first souvenir spoon may date as early as the Philadelphia
Centennial in 1876. There are 203 spoons illustrated; 40 plates of finely
detailed photographs in black and white and color. The book is out of print and
will be available only from other collectors or from booksellers.
Pack, Robert. Collectors Guide to Canadian Souvenir Spoons. (Argentum Cochlear Publishing: Vancouver, B.C. Canada, 1988).
This guide is divided into five sections. Section
One consists of a table of
Copyright registrations (dates, copyright numbers, the Proprietors names, plus
a brief description of each). Section Two lists the Proprietors in numerical
order, with information on each copyright. Section Three consists of an
alphabetically arranged section with all the known Manufacturers of Canadian
Souvenirs. Section Four has
photographs of Trade Marks, of Known Souvenir Spoon Manufacturers. Section
Five consists of general
information on Heraldry, a Glossary and a Price Guide.
Soeffing, D. Albert. Silver Medallion Flatware. (New Books, Inc.: New York, 1988). ISBN 0-929424-00-X.
American had a love affair with medallion-patterned silver flatware
twice in the nineteenth century; first in the 1860s to about 1875 and again in
the 1880s until about 1910. Over fifty photographs lavishly reproduced in
duotone process illustrate thirty-one different medallion patterns by
twenty-one American silversmiths as well as a few pieces by unknown
"naïve: artisans. Starting with the first medallion pattern to be
granted a patent, Soeffing outlines this history of medallion patterns in his
introduction. He goes on to describe manufacturing processes and techniques,
medallion design and medallion identification. Whether you are a serious silver
or flatware collector, whether you have a keen interest in silver, or whether
you just love beautiful decorative art, this is a book you will want and will
want to keep looking at over and over again.
Souvenir Spoons in Enamel Jewelry Gold and Silver (The Shepard Manufacturing Co. Incorporated: Melrose Highlands, MA., n.d).
The introductory remarks to this catalogue begin as
follows: "We take pleasure in handing you this Catalog of high grade
sterling silver souvenir spoons, sterling silver enameled jewelry, fourteen
karat gold enameled jewelry, and sterling silver novelties. We are able to
illustrate but a comparatively small part of our line which is very complete,
embracing as it does, more than 3,500 different spoon handle dies and 2,600
different bowl dies. We originated the Souvenir Spoon idea with the famous "Golden
Rod" spoon more than a quarter
of a century ago, and believe that our long experience and extensive variety
enable use to serve you to better advantage than would otherwise be possible.
Stutzenberger, Albert. American Historical Spoons. The American Story in Spoons. (Charles E. Tuttle Company: Rutland, VT., 1971).
This is a wonderful book and should be on everyone collector's spoon
shelf. The essential viewpoint espoused by the author is that every American
souvenir spoon is a "talking" spoon and has a story behind it, one
worth telling and certainly worth knowing. Here is a golden opportunity for
collectors, connoisseurs and historians to cash in on this rich silver mine of
information — a genuine gem superior to any other book of its kind,
replete with more than 200 superior illustrations. The book is out of print and
will be available only from other collectors or from booksellers.
Verizzo, Ouida. American Skyline Souvenir Spoons. (Privately Printed: 1978).
Verizzo has examined "Skyline Spoons" in considerable
detail and grouped them under the following headings:
City Skyline – buildings of a city as seen against the
horizon, which forms the upper edge of the handle
Stacked City Skylines – views of city buildings placed partially upon
each other on the handle, in an upright position
Building Skylines – a single building which covers the entire
handle
Natural Skylines – configuration of nature (such as mountains,
water or ice flows) form the horizon
Enclosed Skylines – the contour of the horizon does not form the
upper edge of the handle
Partial Skylines – only about half the handle is a skyline.
For anyone collecting Skyline Spoons, this book is an essential reference work. This book is out-of-print and will be available from other collectors of from booksellers.
Verizzo, Ouida. Additions and Corrections to American Skyline Souvenir Spoons. (Privately Printed: 1985).
This up-date provides good additional information to the original
publication and important corrections.
Wood. Sterling Silver, Silverplate and Souvenir Spoons With Prices. (L-W Book Sales. 1987). Second Edition. ISBN: 0891453679.
Includes information on: Ash trays, baby rattles, butter dishes, combs,
cups, paperweights, sugar bowls, souvenir spoons. Often available from
booksellers.
Copyright 2002 Campanian Enterprises, Inc.