1896 Frederick Douglass Souvenir Silverplate Spoon Memorial Black Memorabilia
1896 Frederick Douglass Souvenir Silverplate Spoon Memorial Black Memorabilia. This spoon features a relief portrait of Douglass, with a chain design running up the handle noting the key events in his life on each link. His name appears on the back side. The spoon measures about 6 in length and appears to be silver plated (unmarked).
The design of this spoon is illustrated in the 9 February 1896 issue of the Chicago Tribune. Here is how the article described Thompson's design: It is intended by the designer to commemorate by means of the spoon some of the most prominent acts in the life of Douglass.
In the bowl is an excellent likeness of Douglass face, with the date of his birth, 1817, and the name of his native state, Maryland. The handle is composed of a series of chain links and shackles. Within the first link is inscribed 1838, the date of his escape from slavery, and as a further symbol of his freedom the shackle connecting the two links is broken. The next link represents the date of the maiden speech made by Douglass against slavery, delivered at Nantucket in 1841. The third link is dated 1863, when he aided and recruited soldiers for the Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Colored Regiments from the state of New York.
The fourth, fifth and sixth links, which are dated 1872, 1877 and 1889, symbolize his electorship-at-large from the Empire State, the date of his position as United Marshal at Washington, D. And his Ministership to Haiti. The last link is broken, representing his death, which occurred last year. On the reverse side of the handle is a chain intertwined with flowers and a wreath which surrounds his name.Condition of this Frederick Douglass spoon is EXCELLENT. It has some light tarnish to the silverplate, but no damage of any kind.
Overall, it looks fantastic and displays well. It would make a fine addition to any collection. Please take a close look at the many photos I've provided and judge condition for yourself. The item "1896 Frederick Douglass Souvenir Silverplate Spoon Memorial Black Memorabilia" is in sale since Saturday, February 9, 2019. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Cultures & Ethnicities\Black Americana\Other Black Americana". The seller is "glitterygoldone" and is located in Atlanta, Georgia. This item can be shipped to United States. Thompson