Mount Vernon Commemorative Fork Manufacturer: Shepard Manufacturing Company (American, 1892–1923)
After: (design by) Henry H. Evertsen (American, w. c. 1870–1900)
Honorand: George Washington, American, 1732–1799, LL.D. 1781
Honorand: Martha Washington, American, 1731–1802

about 1900

American Decorative Arts

On view, 3rd floor, Modern and Contemporary Art and Design

The nation's oldest historic-preservation organization–the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association–was established in 1853 to save Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington. The mansion quickly became a beloved tourist destination and inspired numerous souvenirs, such as this pastry fork that has a view of the mansion’s famed veranda on the handle and a double portrait of the Washingtons just above the tines.

Medium

Sterling silver

Dimensions

Length: 5 7/8in. (14.923 cm)

Credit Line

Gift of Graham C. Boettcher, B.A. 1995, Ph.D. 2006

Accession Number

2005.88.1

Geography

Manufactured in Melrose, Massachusetts, Retailed in Mount Vernon, Virginia

Culture

American

Period

19th–20th century

Classification

Flatware

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance
925drummer, Iowa City, Iowa; purchased June 28, 2005 by Graham C. Boettcher through eBay, item no. 7331975168
Bibliography
  • "Acquisitions, July 1, 2005–June 30, 2006," in "Photography at Yale," special issue, Yale University Art Gallery Bulletin (2006), 208
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

forks

Marks

"S" in a circle "STERLING PATD." and "F.A.WHELAN./MT. VERNON VA." in raised letters on back of shaft.

Technical metadata and APIs

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