Tarnished Spoon Appraisal

Vintage Souvenir Spoon with Enamel Inlay

This is a vintage souvenir spoon, likely crafted from a silver-toned metal, possibly silver plate or a similar alloy, given the visible tarnishing and general appearance. The overall length is indiscernible from the image but appears to be a standard demitasse or teaspoon size. The spoon features an ornate handle design, with a notable rectangular-shaped finial at the top that prominently displays an enamel inlay. This inlay depicts two stylized, possibly hummel-like, figures of children, one with a darker cap and the other lighter, standing close together against a reddish-brown background, suggesting a whimsical or folkloric theme. The enamel appears to be in relatively good condition with vibrant colors and no obvious chips or cracks, although closer inspection would be needed to confirm this. The finial itself is framed by an embossed, rococo-style border, adding to its decorative appeal. The handle of the spoon exhibits a beaded or dot-patterned design running down its length, indicating a level of craftsmanship. The bowl of the spoon shows significant signs of tarnishing, appearing dark brown and iridescent in areas, which is typical for silver or silver-plated items that have been exposed to air over time without regular polishing. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures discernible in the provided image, which makes specific manufacturing attribution difficult. Based on the artistic style of the enamel and the overall decorative elements, the spoon likely dates from the early to mid-20th century, possibly as a tourist item from Europe, given the style of the figures. The craftsmanship, particularly the detailed finial and beaded handle, suggests it was mass-produced but with attention to decorative detail, reflecting the popular souvenir items of its era. This piece's unique aspect lies in its illustrative enamel work, setting it apart from plain metal souvenir spoons.