Polhamus 'Ruby' Sterling Silver Place Spoon Engraved. 'Clara Bell'

This 6 15/16" long, 1.25 T. oz., place, aka oval soup or dessert, spoon speaks through time in multiple voices.

First, the pattern which is Ruby by John Polhamus (later Shiebler) is a superb expression of the Greek and Egyptian Revival modes popular in its 1870 period.

It features a central palmette set atop something akin to a papyrus leaf. There is a rosette flanked by ivy leaves situated on the pointed tip end. These elements are surrounded by additional details suggestive of tracery on the upper portion and a column on the shank.

Second, this was retailed by "N.E. Crittenden," Cleveland, as marked on the backside. This dates from a time when such burgeoning, then "Western," now "Midwestern," cities as Cleveland were in ascendency, with populations that were able to procure the appointments of prosperity previously reserved largely to inhabitants of the older, coastal cities of a youthful United States.

Third and perhaps most enduring, this has an endearing inscription carried from front to back sides.

The obverse is engraved "Clara Bell." in fancy script lettering, while the reverse reads "from Grandma."

Such dedications enliven an otherwise inanimate object such as this spoon with a sense of the life and times of people who possessed it.

Perhaps that this was a cherished gift from one generation to another offers a reason why this remains in such remarkably fine, essentially unused, condition. It is without wear, possesses fine pattern detail, has a perfectly-shaped bowl (noting a very slight bit of mottling in the inside heel of the bowl), and offers a bright finish.

Marks are "Pat. Aug. 30. 70," "Sterling," and the aforementioned retailer's name.