Southwest Indian Jewelry: Silverware - Flatware

Beginning as early as 1880, Native American silversmiths melted down silver coins to create unique and authentic, hand-crafted Native American silverware. These items were made to sell to passengers on the Santa Fe Railroad.  By the middle of the 20th Century, artists were using sheet silver to create stunning souvenir reminders for the automobile travelers along Route 66. Sterling silver flatware and souvenir spoons were especially popular among the items purchased by adventurous travelers along Route 66.  Iced tea spoons were mementos that could be purchased as souvenirs and later used by the owners when they returned home from their Southwest adventure, an everyday reminder of their travels.