Title: SUPER RARE! 1896 Wrigley Chewing Gum Bicycle Advertising Sterling Silver Spoon Ruby Stone Inlay

Condition: Good with normal wear from age and use.  Slight bending to the tip of the spoon, but this does not detract from the value or appearance.

Measurements: 5” long 13.09 grams in weight

Description:  You are bidding on an extremely rare and unusual advertising sterling souvenir spoon.  The handle is in the elegant Emperor pattern and the bowl has the most amazing etched image of a 1896 Columbia Woman’s bicycle, of which there are famous embellished models that were crafted by Tiffany & Co.  The bicycle even has an inlay semi precious ruby or garnet red stone, representing the front light.  The back is hand etched IMF Got Any Gum? 1896 with the maker’s mark for Wendell Manufacturing Co. Sterling.  In 1896 William Wrigley and his early partner JP Primley had a campaign in which they used an aggressive coupon and prize scheme to give away $100 valued bicycles during the bicycle craze of the 1890’s.  1896 was the year of the bicycle bubble that crashed the market for the newly developed craze.  This is such a special and unique advertising piece that I have never seen before and would make a wonderful addition to your collection.  This piece was obtained from a local South Carolina estate.  Check out my other items for more sterling, I will combine shipping.