Whiting 'Columbian Exposition' Sterling Silver 'Minnie' Souvenir Spoon

This spoon is a commemorative of one of the climactic events of the 19th century, namely the Chicago World's Fair, formally the World's Columbian Exposition.

Made by Whiting, whose "standing lion with W" and "Sterling," are stamped on the backside, this measures 5 7/8" long and weighs just under 1.0 T. oz.

The front of the handle incorporates the name of the event, along with "1893," as well as "Chicago" arrayed over a "star" and a staunch looking "phoenix head" (so identified by the designer, Charles Osborne). The lower portion of the handle is decorated with laurel leaves and berries.

The bowl is die struck and features a tip showing a sun with rays setting behind distant hills, with the words Westward the course of empire takes its way.

This quote references a mural painted by Emanuel Leutze that stands behind the west stairway of the House wing of the United States Capitol (see website of the architect of the capital, aoc.gov).

The handle backside is borrowed from Whiting's Heraldic pattern and is engraved "Minnie" in script. Such a detail personalizes an event that established an immeasurably significant reference point for many of the tens of thousands of persons who were drawn from great distances to attend it. The occasion of her visit may have been a high point in Minnie's life, and is forever memorialized in this piece in time beyond Minnie's allotted measure for others to reflect upon.

In choice condition, this is without wear or damage and shows a soft finish.