Souvenir Spoon Appraisal

Souvenir Spoon with Rome and Vatican City Landmarks

This is a silver-toned metal souvenir spoon, likely made from a non-precious metal or a low-grade silver alloy, given the lack of obvious hallmarks and the common nature of such souvenirs. The spoon is approximately 5-6 inches in length, designed with a decorative handle and a standard spoon bowl shape. The most prominent feature is the finial at the top of the handle, which depicts a three-dimensional representation of St. Peter's Basilica, complete with its iconic dome and flanking colonnades, indicating a connection to Vatican City or Rome. The handle itself is adorned with intricate floral or vine-like patterns in relief, suggesting attention to decorative detail. The bowl of the spoon is flat and features engraved or embossed images of other significant Roman landmarks. On one side, a tall, columnar structure is visible, likely an obelisk or column. On the other side, a distinct domed structure is depicted, clearly identifiable as St. Peter's Basilica from a different angle or perhaps another significant dome in Rome like the Pantheon's; however, based on the finial, St. Peter's is most probable. Below these images, faint lettering is visible, which appears to spell out 'ROMA' and 'VATICANO', confirming the geographic theme. The metal exhibits a dull, somewhat darkened patina, consistent with age and exposure, but no significant tarnish that would obscure details. There are no visible signs of damage such as bends, breaks, or significant scratches. The craftsmanship appears to be of a reasonable quality for a souvenir item, with clear detail in the castings and engravings. It likely dates from the mid-20th century to late 20th century, a popular period for the production of such travel memorabilia. The overall condition is good, showing expected signs of handling and age but no severe wear.