Enamel Crest Spoon Appraisal

Florida Souvenir Spoon with Enamel Crest

This is a vintage souvenir spoon, likely made from a silver-plated base metal, measuring approximately 4-5 inches in length. Its most prominent features are the slender handle and a decorative crest at the finial, which is adorned with colorful enamel. The crest, shaped like a shield, displays 'FLORIDA' at the top in black lettering, beneath which are depictions of palm trees in green and a flamingo in a reddish-orange hue, all set against a white background with a faint hint of blue-green at the bottom. This enamel work appears to be champlevé or cloisonné given the distinct outlines separating the colors. The handle itself is smooth and polished, exhibiting a reflective, metallic luster, typical of silverplate. There's a decorative, possibly cast or stamped, element beneath the crested finial, showing a stylized leaf or scroll pattern, adding a touch of classical detail to the design. The spoon bowl is moderately sized and oval-shaped, possessing significant reflectivity, indicating a well-maintained or recently polished surface. Based on the style of souvenir spoons that were popular, and the appearance of the enamel, this item likely dates from the mid-20th century, possibly 1950s-1970s. Visible condition issues are minimal; there might be some very minor surface scratches consistent with age and gentle handling on the bowl and handle, but no significant dents, cracks, or repairs are evident from the image. The enamel on the crest appears intact with no chips or significant wear. The overall craftsmanship suggests a mass-produced item characteristic of souvenir ware, but with decent attention to detail in the enamel crest.