1960-1970 Important H. Alvin Sharpe New Orleans Fine Silver Ladle (388 g)

$2,800.00
A remarkable and likely unique studio pattern piece by H. Alvin Sharpe, this large hand-forged fine silver ladle is struck with Sharpe’s Mardi Gras medallic imagery, including two portraits of Marie Laveau wearing her distinctive serpent headdress, Sharpe’s personal emblem, and an image referencing the Cotton Patch Mardi Gras tradition. The reverse beneath the bowl is hand-engraved “Original Pattern Piece by H Alvin Sharpe New Orleans,” while the stem reads “Pattern Piece E. V. Catoe Fine Silver.” Combining studio silversmithing with Sharpe’s iconic Carnival doubloon motifs, this exceptional object is a truly great 20th century New Orleans object. H. Alvin Sharpe (often recorded as Herbert Alvin Sharpe or H. Alvin Sharp) was an American artist, designer, and engraver best known for his distinctive Louisiana-themed imagery and for his influential role in the creation of Mardi Gras doubloons—commemorative coins thrown during Mardi Gras parades. Active primarily in the mid-20th century, Sharpe’s work bridged the worlds of fine art, folk tradition, and commercial medallic design, leaving a lasting imprint on Gulf Coast culture and on collectors of modern exonumia. H. Alvin Sharpe was born on August 22, 1907, in Northwood, Ohio. His career eventually led him south to Louisiana, where he would spend much of his professional life and where his artistic identity became closely intertwined with the culture and traditions of the region. The region’s strong visual traditions, particularly those associated with Mardi Gras and civic celebrations, provided fertile ground for a designer skilled in engraving and graphic composition. Sharpe’s most enduring cultural legacy lies in the development of Mardi Gras doubloons—small aluminum or metal coins thrown to parade spectators during Carnival celebrations in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities. During the 1960s and 1970s, Sharpe designed and engraved many of these medallions. Because of his early and prolific role in designing these pieces, collectors often refer to Sharpe as the “Godfather of Mardi Gras Doubloons.” The coins quickly became an iconic element of Mardi Gras parades and a collectible category in their own right. Sharpe remained active for several decades as an artist and designer. His work circulated widely through Mardi Gras organizations, collectors, and regional art venues. He died in 1982, leaving behind a body of work that spans both fine art prints and the highly collectible field of Mardi Gras medallic art. Condition: Very good with light signs of use. 388 grams Dimensions: 12.75" Check out some of my other sterling silver flatware here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=7399760 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP
A remarkable and likely unique studio pattern piece by H. Alvin Sharpe, this large hand-forged fine silver ladle is struck with Sharpe’s Mardi Gras medallic imagery, including two portraits of Marie Laveau wearing her distinctive serpent headdress, Sharpe’s personal emblem, and an image referencing the Cotton Patch Mardi Gras tradition. The reverse beneath the bowl is hand-engraved “Original Pattern Piece by H Alvin Sharpe New Orleans,” while the stem reads “Pattern Piece E. V. Catoe Fine Silver.” Combining studio silversmithing with Sharpe’s iconic Carnival doubloon motifs, this exceptional object is a truly great 20th century New Orleans object. H. Alvin Sharpe (often recorded as Herbert Alvin Sharpe or H. Alvin Sharp) was an American artist, designer, and engraver best known for his distinctive Louisiana-themed imagery and for his influential role in the creation of Mardi Gras doubloons—commemorative coins thrown during Mardi Gras parades. Active primarily in the mid-20th century, Sharpe’s work bridged the worlds of fine art, folk tradition, and commercial medallic design, leaving a lasting imprint on Gulf Coast culture and on collectors of modern exonumia. H. Alvin Sharpe was born on August 22, 1907, in Northwood, Ohio. His career eventually led him south to Louisiana, where he would spend much of his professional life and where his artistic identity became closely intertwined with the culture and traditions of the region. The region’s strong visual traditions, particularly those associated with Mardi Gras and civic celebrations, provided fertile ground for a designer skilled in engraving and graphic composition. Sharpe’s most enduring cultural legacy lies in the development of Mardi Gras doubloons—small aluminum or metal coins thrown to parade spectators during Carnival celebrations in New Orleans and other Gulf Coast cities. During the 1960s and 1970s, Sharpe designed and engraved many of these medallions. Because of his early and prolific role in designing these pieces, collectors often refer to Sharpe as the “Godfather of Mardi Gras Doubloons.” The coins quickly became an iconic element of Mardi Gras parades and a collectible category in their own right. Sharpe remained active for several decades as an artist and designer. His work circulated widely through Mardi Gras organizations, collectors, and regional art venues. He died in 1982, leaving behind a body of work that spans both fine art prints and the highly collectible field of Mardi Gras medallic art. Condition: Very good with light signs of use. 388 grams Dimensions: 12.75" Check out some of my other sterling silver flatware here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP?ref=shop_sugg§ion_id=7399760 Or just browse around the shop! https://www.etsy.com/shop/DCSILVERSHOP