Silver Teaspoon c. 1939

This drawing of a silver teaspoon was made by Kalamian Walton. Now, silver is a fascinating material. Its value has long made it desirable, but its relative softness also renders it suitable for detailed ornamentation. The making of a silver spoon involves several processes: melting, casting, hammering, and polishing. These aren't always done by a single artisan. Specialization of labor, and therefore an entire workforce, can be involved in the production of even one small spoon. The spoon would have been made using tools like hammers, files, and polishing cloths. The skill of the silversmith is evident in the shaping of the bowl and handle, as well as the precision of any decorative elements. The creation of these objects is tied to social issues of labor and class. Silverware was historically a luxury, a marker of status. So next time you hold a piece of silverware, remember that its creation also represents a history of craft, labor, and societal aspiration.