1878 Tiffany & Co. Olympian Series Greek Mythology Custom Family Crest Spoon

1878 Tiffany & Co. Olympian Series Moore Greek Mythology Custom British Family Crest Sterling Silver Spoon This sterling silver spoon, a distinguished piece from Tiffany & Co.'s prestigious "Olympian Series," was introduced in 1878 by its preeminent silversmith, Edward C. Moore. As the head of Tiffany's silver workshop from 1851 to 1891, Moore guided his team in exploring artistic styles from various eras and cultures, bringing American silverware to the forefront in Europe for the first time. Under his leadership, Tiffany received a silver medal at the 1867 Paris Exposition, marking the first time an American silverware brand earned international acclaim. In 1878, they were awarded a gold medal at the same Exposition, with the Olympian Series representing the core of this celebrated design. The Olympian Series draws inspiration from ancient Greek mythology, with a complete set featuring 17 different scenes, each rendered in high relief to interpret a mythological narrative. The motif on this spoon depicts the huntress goddess Artemis, a symbol of purity in ancient Greek mythology. She is portrayed holding a silver bow and arrow, with the cypress as her sacred tree and the doe as her sacred animal. Artemis is one of the twelve Olympian deities, the daughter of Zeus, King of the Gods, and the Titaness Leto. She is also the twin sister of Apollo, the sun god, and is revered as the guardian goddess of the moon. This spoon boasts deep, three-dimensional carving, making it one of the most classic and sought-after scenes in the Olympian Series among collectors. The reverse of the handle is engraved with a British family crest: a spread eagle atop a coronet. This combination is highly recognizable within British and Scottish heraldry. The family whose crest most closely aligns with this specific form is the English Webb (or Webbe) family. The Webb family has been a prominent lineage in England since the 16th century, with numerous branches migrating to America in the 18th and 19th centuries, where they became established as upper-class families in banking, law, and business. Many descendants of these families, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, customarily continued the tradition of British family crests and commissioned Tiffany to create fine silverware featuring their private crests. This is not merely an elaborate monogram but a personal family crest symbolizing identity, heritage, and social standing, imbuing this piece of silverware with profound cultural and historical significance beyond its artistic beauty. ✨ Details • Brand: Tiffany & Co. • Year: 1878 (PAT. 1878) • Designer: Edward C. Moore • Series: Olympian • Length: 15.3cm • Weight: Approx. 44g each • Material: Sterling Silver (925) • Engraving: Private Family Crest (Spread Eagle × Coronet), closely matching specific Webb family branch insignia. • Markings: Tiffany & Co. Sterling PAT. 1878 engraved on the reverse. Price per spoon: 12800 # Two available, in similar condition, shipped at random. # This store also offers two other types of tableware from the Tiffany & Co. Olympian Series, each with a different relief design! Please refer to the last image for an illustration. If interested, search for Tiffany in our store. This spoon is not only suitable for practical use on a formal dining table but also holds significant collectible value. The Olympian Series by Tiffany & Co. was produced in limited quantities, and custom versions featuring British private family crests are exceptionally rare—combining artistry, history, and the narrative of a family's coat of arms, making it an exquisite choice for collection or gifting. The condition is good, but as an antique over a century old, it bears the marks of time. Purchase only if you understand and appreciate its historical character. ————————————————————— The Olympian Series is one of Tiffany & Co.'s classic early silverware patterns, circulating from the late 19th to mid-20th century, and is now discontinued. The tableware bears the Tiffany & Co. and sterling silver hallmarks. Based on the patterns and hallmarks, these are presumed to be pieces from the antique period, offered for collection reference.