Pattern for Alvin Souvenir Teaspoon Death "Happy New Ye

[shlaybe]

Hi,
I have a spoon marked (very hard to see) with the Alvin mark of the dragon(?) facing left over the letter "A". To the right, it reads "Sterling". I have searched for the pattern- appears to be a shell like design at the tip of the handle, with three small flowers on either side, and 2 more flowers elsewhere on the handle (hope you can see in px). The spoon is very interesting- in souvenir style, it depicts the emblem of death or the reaper; a winged man who is running with a piece of cloth about his waist, while holding an hourglass and a scythe. It reads "Happy New Year".

Anyone know the pattern/date? Thanks ahead of time. (clickable thumbnails---->)





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[dognose]

Hi,

I think the figure is representing 'Old Father Time' rather than than the 'Grim Reaper'.

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Time

Trev.
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[shlaybe]

Thanks! I thought it was just a little odd...now it makes sense. Still waiting on spoon pattern. Hope someone comes across it. I love this piece :)
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[dragonflywink]

Doubtful that there was a designated name for the pattern, it was produced by Alvin for New York souvenir retailer and manufacturer Francis M. Van Etten. Rainwater's American Spoons notes that Van Etten ads for this spoon and a Christmas spoon with the same handle appeared in the Nov. 27, 1895 Jewelers' Weekly. Though Van Etten apparently did not patent the design for this spoon, he did patent a different Christmas spoon in 1899 (#D31117).

~Cheryl
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[shlaybe]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it.
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