Ladle 1790 - 1800

This silver ladle was made by John Burger, a New York silversmith, sometime before his death in 1807. In early America, objects like this one functioned as potent markers of social status. Silver was expensive, and its fabrication required specialized skill. This isn’t just a tool for serving gravy; it's a statement about the owner's wealth and refinement, reflecting a hierarchical society where material possessions visually reinforced social divisions. The presence of such items in a home signaled adherence to European standards of gentility, a key aspect of elite identity in the new republic. Examining merchant account books, probate inventories, and family papers helps us understand the original context for such objects. This ladle speaks to the intricate ways in which art and social life were intertwined in early America.