Tablespoon

Dateca. 1780

Maker René Bridon 1745 - after 1792

MediumSilver

DimensionsOL: 8 3/8”

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, The Friends of Colonial Williamsburg Collections Fund

Object number2016-58,8

DescriptionSilver tablespoon with pointed oval bowl with pronounced rounded back drop and long, tapered down-turned oval handle with tip on backLabel TextWhen Abraham Van Bibber (1743-1805) of the Dutch West Indies married Sarah Chew (1734-1795) of Maryland in 1780, the American Revolution precluded the newlyweds from purchasing English-made silver. Instead, the Van Bibbers turned to France to acquire an assemblage of stylish wares for serving tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. During the second half of the eighteenth century, René Bridon (working ca. 1757-1791) was the leading silversmith in Nantes, France’s principal center for the export trade. Bridon’s workshop fashioned a large silver service boldly embellished with the entwined engraved monogram “ASVB” to furnish the Van Bibber’s needs. Today, a coffeepot and stand, teapot, cream pail and ladle, two canns for alcoholic beverages, and several tablespoons dating to 1780-81 survive from this commission.
An astute businessman, AbrahamVan Bibber supplied large quantities of gunpowder to Maryland and Virginia during the Revolution. He purchased land in both colonies, ultimately residing at Paradise plantation near Baltimore. Abraham and Sarah’s French silver descended in the family until its recent acquisition by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Inscription(s)Engraved in sprigged conjoined script crosswise on upper end of handle “ASVB”