Section of a spoon handle 1759 - 1763

This section of a spoon handle was crafted in the 1700s by C.R. Goudelet using silver. Silverware like this wasn't just about function; it was a statement of status. Think about the silversmith's process. The material would have been mined, smelted, and refined, before arriving in Goudelet's workshop. He would have then heated, hammered, and shaped the silver, using specialized tools to achieve the final form. See the marks, including a figure of Britannia – hallmarks guaranteeing the silver’s quality and origin. These marks aren't just decoration; they tell a story of trade, regulation, and craftsmanship. The spoon handle embodies a complex relationship between artistry, industry, and social class. It prompts us to consider the immense amount of labor involved in the production of even a small domestic object.