It was news to me as well. I have NEVER seen a serving spoon specifically for strawberries but apparently they made them at some point, and in sterling silver to boot! The spoon has an unusual shape, perhaps meant to gently lift berries out of the bowl with a minimal amount of bruising. Or perhaps it’s shape is meant to prevent the oddly shaped berries from falling off the other end of the spoon. At any rate, this beatutiful set dates back to the 1890’s and is manufactured by Tiffany & Co., and is yet another one of many singe use implements in my sister’s collection. It comes with several (8, I think) small two tyned forks.
One is meant to lounge languidly at afternoon tea on the veranda, perfectly coiffed, 
daintily piercing one’s perfectly ripe strawberries and perhaps dipping them in some heavy cream before popping them in one’s mouth… Heehee. I think the set is spectacular. I always think strawberries with the July 4th holiday (we used to pick them when I spent some time in New England, though a few weeks earlier typically), so I thought I should put this post today. The Wimbledon tournament is currently going on in England, and if you are inclined, you can pop out of your game and have some strawberries and cream for a snack… Wash it down with some champagne if you like. Alternatively, make a strawberry shortcake…
8 Responses
Is it a family heirloom? =)
They are gorgeous! The forks look similar to pickle forks though, which I remember my mom made us use all the time when I was young.
Using this set, does one serve the strawberries on a wide bowl or on a platter?
I so can’t believe your sister. What else has she got?! Hey, I think she’s got enough of these to have a book on 19th century (even earlier) single-use implements. Are these heirlooms or her personal collection?
Socky and Zita… my sister has always had an interest in fine silver, China, etc. Mostly she has obtained these from various auction houses when estates have been sold off. You can also find some unusual items on-line but beware of lots of fakes or poor quality of items. She also gets them in unusual locations like during trips to Russia, Europe, etc. She has extremely good taste… if she had a bigger budget she would need a new apartment to put some of this stuff in… Jade, to be honest, I haven’t the foggiest idea whether one should use a plate or bowl, but I would guess the latter.
MM and Jade, what to use to serve strawberries in? Why, a single-use, siver strawberry bowl, I’m sure!!!! Hehehe!
But seriously, am awed and amazed, and a little envious of your sister’s collection! Beautiful and unique. Thanks for sharing it with us!
I am bowed with your sister’s silver collections! Sister I am really really impressed with you!
Again, what an impressive collection! I bet Sister is very familiar with auction sales around NY! Be sure you keep up that good relation with your sister lest she crosses out your name in her will, hehehe…
I love it when you showcase her collection. Are we going to see some more in the future?
Tiffany’s also sold a silver and vermeil strawberry bowl with a complementary pattern and there was one at Christie’s last year but I was not in town for the sale, I am still reluctant to bid online, takes the fun of going to the auction. I have several other interesting serving pieces and sets that Marketman can photograph on his next trip to NYC.