Spoon 1797 - 1800

This is a silver spoon, nine and a quarter inches long, made by Paul Revere sometime in the late 18th century. As a silversmith, Revere inherited a craft tradition, one deeply embedded in colonial society. Silver objects, like this spoon, weren't just functional; they were potent symbols of status and wealth in the burgeoning American colonies. Examine the engraved initials: they speak to the elite families who commissioned Revere's work, families who sought to emulate European gentility. Yet, Revere also became a pivotal figure in the American Revolution. Think about the social and political dynamics at play: a craftsman catering to the wealthy elite, yet also passionately involved in revolutionary politics, challenging the established order. Understanding Revere's spoon requires us to explore account books, probate inventories, and genealogical records. The value lies not just in its material worth or aesthetic appeal but also in its ability to reflect the complex social and institutional landscape of its time.