A sterling silver double ended cocktail jigger.  The measure is made so that the barman can quickly and simply measure one ounce or two ounces of spirit.  The jigger, as they are sometimes referred to, was made by one of America's most important silversmiths; William Spratling.   Born in 1900 in New York, Spratling moved frequently, briefly studying architecture.  In 1921 he moved to New Orleans and associated with notable figures of the time such as living with William Faulkner for a while.  It was from here the Spratling began to spend time in Mexico.  This led to him moving there in 1929 and picking up similar literary and artistic circle of friends.  From here he organised museum and gallery exhibitions in New York of artists such as Diego Rivera.  On being informed in 1931 by the then US Ambassador to Mexico, Dwight Morrow, that the Taxco region was rich in silver mines, Spratling took up residence there, taking with him a talented goldsmith and soon acquired the talent of silversmiths, textile designers and furniture makers, all of whom helped bring Spratling's ideas to life.  This area, of little to no historic recognition of artistic endevour, soon became a hotbed of talent.  Mainly due to Spratling setting up apprentice systems and training the local gifted young residence.  During the Second World War, American department stores were unable to import luxury goods from Europe, leading many retail stores to purchase these pieces from Mexico. In order to meet this dramatic increase in demand, Spratling opened his company to private investors, and by the end of 1944 had lost control of his company. Early in 1946, Spratling y Artesanos was out of business.  Spratling then moved his business to his ranch, and attempted to re-build it.  It was from here too that he wrote More Human Than Divine in 1960.  This beautiful quality piece is stamped in the inside of the jigger with the "larger S" Spratling mark and the Mexican "Eagle 30" mark dating it to between 1956 - '62.  Made in Mexico.