Images(2)

Set of Four Dessert Spoons

Dateca. 1780-1800

Maker John Aitken 1745 - 1831

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumSilver

DimensionsLength: 7 1/6”; Width of bowl: 1 3/8"; Depth of bowl: 7/16"

Credit LineGift of Kay Justice Ridinger in memory and honor of Charles W. Ridinger III

Object number2021-122,1-4

DescriptionFour silver dessert spoons with down turned rounded-end handles, a short midrib below, and egg-shaped bowls each with a drop.Label TextJohn Aiken was born in Scotland in 1745 and died in Philadelphia in 1831. He was indentured for his passage to goldsmith William Tayor for a year and a half (1771-1773) and worked as a silversmith until about 1786, at which point he became a grocer. Aitken is also known to have specialized in engraving plates for printing Catholic music.Inscription(s)Engraved “JJB” in sprigged script across tip of each handle.Mark(s)Each marked with “I AITKEN” in incuse within a rectangle.