Born with a silver spoon in his mouth

Posted by Francie Smith on January 14, 2001

Where did the phrase "born with a silver spoon in his mouth" come from. I know what it means, but where did it originate. I'm particularly interested in the time period. Also, does anybody know of the custom in the nineteenth century of providing a set of monogrammed silver teaspoons for a child?

• Silver spoon ESC 01/14/01