Section of a spoon handle 1789

This small silver section of a spoon handle, created in 1789 by French silversmith Michel Savigny, is a fascinating example of a utilitarian object imbued with artistic detail. The handle features a series of engraved marks, including a crescent moon, a stylized fleur-de-lis, a leaf, and a bird. These marks represent the maker's mark and possibly the date of manufacture, and serve as a reminder of the skilled craftsmanship that went into even the most seemingly mundane of objects. Today, this piece resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it is appreciated for its historical significance and artistic value.