A Colonial Merchant: The Ledger of William Ramsay

Alexandria, VA 1753-1756

Artifact: Dessert Spoon

Dessert Spoon

Materials: Silver gilt

Dimensions: 1/2 x 7 x 1 1/2 in.

Date: Circa 1740

Origin: London

Collection: LACMA

License: Public Domain

Ledger Entry: Dessert Spoon

Dessert Spoon

Department: Foodways

Customer: Captain Charles Broadwater

Ledger Page: 70

Imported From:

Product Description

A spoon is a type of flatware with a small, shallow bowl and an oval or round handle. Spoons were used primarily for serving, but also for food preparation to measure, mix, stir and toss ingredients. They were commonly used for tea service. Metal spoons were the most common, although occasionally handles were ornamented with ceramic or other inlays.

Citation: Helen Clifford, "Knives, Forks and Spoons, 1600-1830," in Elegant Eating: Four Hundred Years of Dining in Style, ed. Philippa Glanville and Hilary Young (London: Victoria and Albert Museum, 2002), 60-63.;

Historical Price: 2 shillings, 2 pence for 1 dozen; Modern USD: $24.2

Product Variations

The databases record thirty-two purchases of spoons. These purchases ranged from single soup spoons up to sets of a dozen pieces although the most common quantity of spoons was half a dozen. Many of the spoons were made of pewter. One set of silver tea accouterments was purchased including spoons, tongs, and a strainer. The cost of spoons ranges from twelve pence for one soup spoon to thirteen pence for half a dozen spoons.