Objects

The first of a set of twelve coffee spoons bearing the manufacturer's trademark "BUBELA | SHEFFIELD STEEL".

A coffee spoon made of metal alloy, plated with a thin layer of silver. The scoop is elliptical — it tapers more strongly towards the tip and more gently towards the handle. Flat handle, widening towards the bottom. The handle features a frugal art déco style geometric pattern. The decoration consists of two simple grooves (thinnings) running along both edges of the handle. The end of the handle is bevelled where it has been thinned.

Coffee, unlike tea (see MPOLIN-M936), enjoyed enduring popularity since as early as the 18th century. It would often be consumed with cream and sugar. Drinking black coffee with no condiments, which is a common practice today, was not popular at the time. Like today, coffee was drunk at different times of the day: in the morning, at a group meal or later, around lunchtime. Coffee drinking rituals were described by such authors as Adam Mickiewicz (J. Paprocka-Gajek, "Platery warszawskie w latach 1822-1914", Warsaw 2010, p. 71). You had to hold the coffee cup in your hand. It was obligatory to serve it with dedicated small teaspoons used only for coffee (J. Paprocka-Gajek, "Platery warszawskie w latach 1822-1914", Warszawa 2010, pp. 71-72). Both coffee and tea had to be served hot, in their own pots (the one for coffee was slimmer). Coffee was drunk in cups, while tea was drunk in glasses following Russian custom, especially in more modest homes. Due to the plethora of coffee accessories available, special tableware sets began to be created, which were coveted by elegant tableware collectors. Such sets included, among other things, a tray, a tea pot, a coffee pot, a sugar bowl, a creamer (J. Paprocka-Gajek, "Platery warszawskie w latach 1822-1914", Warsaw 2010, pp. 247-248).

Natalia Różańska