by Nick T. Spark (Author)
In the 1890's, just as the West was finally settled, a souvenir spoon "craze" swept the American nation. The scenic wonders, industry, and imagery of the West - with its fierce natives, brave cowboys and lucky prospectors - were immortalized in silver. Famed host and entrepreneur Fred Harvey, Navajo silversmiths and even Charles Tiffany & Co. played important roles in the spoon phenomenon. The fad ran its course by WWII but, by then, thousands of intricate designs had been produced. Today, they remain prized by collectors. This delightful book recounts the history of the souvenir spoon craze in the West. It brings together for the very first time both commercially produced and native designs, and features scores of dazzling, full-color photos filled with unique and rare examples from premier collections.