The Leonard Mfg. Co. in Chicago offered Victorian ladies great deals on sets of

silver souvenir spoons commemorating the 1893 World’s Fair. In 1895, a set of 6

souvenir spoons was offered for 99 cents. The original price on a set of 6 was

$9.00. With the purchase of 6 sets at 99 cents per set, the buyer could choose a

silver cake basket, berry dish aka bride's basket or another set of spoons as a premium.

Description for the spoons shown with this antique ad (right):

The spoons are standard after-dinner coffee size, heavily coin silver plated, with gold plated bowls. Each spoon has a different World’s Fair building

After-dinner coffee spoons are about 4 1/4 inches long. The buildings on the spoons are from left to right: Manufacturers and Liberal Arts; Machinery Hall; Administration Building; Transportation Building; Art

Palace and Fisheries Building.

The ad further states: An inexpensive gift that will give pleasure and be of utility, and at the same time suggest appropriateness.

Also printed with this antique 1895 advertisement were letters from satisfied customers:

June 27, 1895Gentlemen:

For more history about antique American silver souvenir spoons and spoons for sale, see SouvenirSpoons.com

The silver tea ball was very popular in American homes, particularly in the late 19th century. Competition among silver manufacturers and silversmiths was fierce

as each attempted to outdo the others with the most attractive and fanciful

shapes.

Left: Antique Gorham sterling silver tea ball infuser in the shape of a tea pot. The teapot shape is a favorite among many collectors today.

The disposable tea bag was invented in the early 20th century which led to the

demise of the sterling silver tea ball's popularity. If you are interested in collecting these little gems, there aren't many around so you may have to be patient. You can expect to pay from about $100 to $300+ for an antique silver tea ball. Price depends on condition, maker and shape.

Below: Group of tea balls from a Whiting Manufacturing Co. catalog

Below Left: Victorian silverplate tea ball with stand by Meriden B Co. The tea ball and tea ball holder were sold separately. Below Center: Satin embossed sterling silver tea ball. Below Right: Daniel Low & Co. Tea Ball

Baby antique silver is gaining popularity among collectors. Antique baby spoons have long been a favorite and there is increasing interest of late for antique silver baby rattles and bib holders. Baby rattles often had bells and whistles, and many were animal shapes.

Left: Baby rattle with sterling silver grey finish mounting, bells, pearl handle.

Right: Sterling silver baby rattle with pearl ring, whistle and bells.

What manufacturers of this era advertised as “pearl” was actually mother of pearl (MOP).

More Images of Antique Silver Baby Rattles and Bib Holder from Old Manufacturer Catalogs

Above: Pearl ring baby rattle with sterling silver bells.

Above: Antique sterling whistle and bells with pearl ring baby rattle.

Above: Antique silver baby rattle with pearl ring, two small bells and one large bell.

Above: Pearl handle rattle with sterling silver ring and bells.

Above: Antique sterling silver baby bib holder.

Note - These antique silver baby rattles are interesting collectibles to add to your silver collection. They are not intended for use today as they do not meet safety regulations.