A sterling silver large berry spoon. There are spoons, and then there are spoons.....! This is perhaps one of the most spectacular looking, and quite large serving spoons we have had the pleasure of handling. Not to mention the condition is flawless. This style of long handled sturdy spoon was designed for serving berries of all varieties. However, such is the size it is perfect for candy, nuts and alike. This version has a ridged bowl that is a little deeper and will help trap its contents.

This masterpiece in spoon making was undertaken by one of the finest names in American silversmithing; The Whiting Manufacturing Company. Known for its superb-quality silver flatware such as this, hollowware, and Asian-inspired decorative objects, the Whiting Manufacturing Co. opened in 1866 in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, under William Dean Whiting, who had trained with the original family company, Tift & Whiting (1840-53).

Other key figures in the history of Whiting were George E. Strong, who joined the firm in 1870 and helped secure the flatware dies of Michael Givney and Henry Hebbard of Hebbard & Co., and chief artisan Charles Osborne, who patented numerous flatware and hollowware designs. In 1875, a disastrous fire at the Attleboro factory prompted the company to move to New York City. Here, Whiting designers were exposed to the Japanese aesthetic influencing turn-of-the-century decorative arts and began producing tableware with Asian motifs, such as goldfish, lotus flowers, seashells, and cranes. Such pieces directly competed with comparable examples by Tiffany & Co. and Gorham Manufacturing Co. In fact, Gorham purchased Whiting in 1924 and relocated its headquarters to Providence, Rhode Island, in 1926.

This spoon has a spectacular wide and fairly deep bowl, gilt washed, with a beautifully sculpted scalloped design. As one reaches the top of the thick and heavy handle the detail and quality continues on its dreamy quest to perfection. The back of the handle is equally as beautiful as the appearance of full lilies make their appearance to the top. The back of the spoon is fully marked for Whiting with its lion maker's marks, along with the patent information for 1902 and 1907. The Lilly pattern was introduced in 1902, so this is a slightly later version from around 1907

There is no monogram at the top wide part on the front of the handle where the cartouche is. The spoon weighs nearly one hundred and thirty grams and is over seven inches long making it an excellent serving piece, but even better to simply enjoy the masterpiece of silver craftsmanship.

Made in America, circa 1907.