The patent document is a Design Patent (No. 24,228) granted to William H. Purdy and Leonard C. Peters of Providence, Rhode Island, on April 23, 1895, for a new and original Design for a Spoon and other Similar Articles.
Design Description
The design’s key features are decorative elements centered on the theme of Frederick Douglass and African-American freedom and labor.
Handle Decoration
The design on the upper portion of the handle consists of:
- A portrait bust of Frederick Douglass (the renowned orator, abolitionist, and statesman).
- The bust is surmounted by laurel branches, symbolizing honor, achievement, and victory.
Bowl Decoration
The design within the bowl or ladle consists of:
- The representation of a typical African-American field hand, referencing the labor and heritage of the Black community.
Overall Significance of the Design
The design is notable for commemorating a major figure and theme in American history on a common consumer item, likely created as a souvenir spoon or commemorative piece shortly after Douglass’s death in February 1895. The combination of a respected leader and a depiction of labor offers a tribute to the legacy of African Americans following the Civil War and abolition.
Term of Patent: The term of the design patent was 7 years.
