African Souvenir Appraisal

Swaziland Souvenir Bronze Spoon with Elephant Relief

This is a bronze souvenir spoon, likely from the early to mid-20th century, given its style and the apparent patina. The spoon features an ornate design with three distinct sections. The handle terminates in a decorative finial, which appears to be a small shield or crest with an enamel or painted design. Although the details are somewhat obscured by the image quality, the crest displays a colorful emblem, possibly a coat of arms or a national/regional symbol, with the word "SWAZILAND" clearly visible above it. This immediately identifies a geographical origin for the souvenir. The handle itself is slender and adorned with intricate floral or foliate motifs, suggesting a cast or molded construction method, indicative of decent craftsmanship. The bowl of the spoon is not a traditional flat or oval shape but is triangular or spade-shaped with raised edges, giving it a somewhat ornamental rather than functional appearance. Within the bowl, there is a detailed bas-relief scene depicting several elephants in a natural setting, possibly a jungle or savanna, with visible trees and foliage. The elephants appear to be a mother and calf, or a small herd, rendered with a good level of detail for a piece of this size. The entire spoon exhibits an aged bronze color with natural patina, suggesting it has not been heavily polished, preserving its historical character. There are no obvious signs of significant damage like bends, breaks, or major scratches, though minor surface wear consistent with age is likely present. The craftsmanship, particularly the detailed imagery in the bowl and on the handle, indicates a commercially produced souvenir of good quality for its type.