The spoons in this exhibit usually represent a traveler's visit to the state capitol.
Many state capitols were built in the Beaux-Art style during this time period and these capitol
buildings were decorated with marble, gold plating and other trappings of wealth.
If you have ever visited a state capitol, then you will understand why these were popular collectibles.
All spoons shown (unless otherwise marked) are STERLING SILVER.Most of these spoons are available for purchase
.
Capitol buildings with nice handles
The first and most important consideration for any state capitol building is to make a
statement. In all monumental government architecture the primary role is to show the
power and the authority of the governing body. Any observer, regardless of background
or education, must immediately and intuitively understand that this is a building of
importance.
The top spoon is embossed (machine stamped)
The bottom spoon is hand engraved.
Other views of this building are also available
WASHINGTON DC
Both autocratic and democratic societies use the same logic, but in a democratic society,
the building must also be readily accessible to the citizenry. Thus the interior design
considerations must also reflect the prevailing political philosophies. Artwork must be
related to the overall theme rather than just be considered for its own beauty as is the case
in autocratic societies.
Top picture is engraved view of the capitol building.
Bottom picture is embossed picture.
Notice how many different styles of flatware handle spoons were converted to souvenir spoons
Beaux-Arts school of architecture (most of the buildings of this time period) is based upon
a scholastic understanding of the power of past architectural styles. By carefully choosing
certain styles, the architect reflects the prevailing political views. In most of the state
capitols, for example, each of the legislative chambers is the same physical size and on the
same floor so that neither can say that it is superior to the other. If the executive branch is
more politically powerful, it will be on a higher floor than the legislature, but if the office
is to be an equal than it will be on the same floor. The location of the supreme court within
the building will also reflect its relationship to the legislative and executive offices.
More engraved pictures of capitol buildings on flatware handles
The architect will pay close attention to the building materials used. Granite and marble
are among the most beautiful natural materials and the most expensive. Extravagant use
will be made of these materials to show the wealth and power of the state. Furthermore,
the source of these materials is often of importance and careful records will be maintained
as to which of the counties provided each type of building material.
The bottom spoon is acid-etched rather than engraved
Capitol building spoons with souvenir style handles
Thomas Jefferson considered the dome to be the emblem of a democratic society. Most of
the capitol buildings will emulate the national capitol in Washington D.C. and will have
either central rotundas or domes over the legislative chambers. The dome will often be
plated with pure gold which reflects the light and again portrays to all the wealth of the
state.
This spoon pictures the official Governor's residence
however, it is silver plated. Plated silver loses its luster and also gets tarnish spots which cannot be removed.
In this case some of the copper is also showing thru the very thin silver plating.
However, gun handled spoons are fairly rare and many of them are silver plated.
This one was probably created for one of the civil war GAR conventions (Grand Army of the Republic).
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