Spoon 1810 - 1820

This is a silver spoon created by Frederick Oakes, a silversmith active in New York during the early 19th century. A seemingly simple object, this spoon speaks volumes about the social and economic landscape of its time. In the early 1800s, the burgeoning merchant class in New York sought ways to display their wealth and refinement. Silverware, like this spoon, became a symbol of status, reflecting access to luxury goods and the evolving rituals of dining. Notice the engraved monogram on the handle – a personal mark, but also a public declaration of ownership and belonging to a certain social stratum. Crafted during a period of significant urban growth and economic transformation in America, the spoon embodies the aspirations and values of a society in transition. Further research into probate records and merchant inventories can shed light on the circulation of silverware and the role of artisans like Oakes in shaping consumer culture. The spoon serves as a reminder that even the most utilitarian objects can offer insights into the social structures and power dynamics of the past.