Tarnpon Springs Memorabilia Appraisal

Tarpon Springs Flash Souvenir Collector Spoon

This is a vintage souvenir collector spoon commemorating Tarpon Springs, Florida. The item features a gold-toned finish, likely gold plating over a base metal such as brass or stainless steel. The most distinctive feature is the handle's finial, which consists of a decorative shield-shaped crest with a white enamel inlay. This inlay depicts a stylized diver in a traditional weighted diving suit, a nod to the area's rich sponge diving history. Above the diver, the text 'TARPON SPRINGS' is written in a curved format, with 'FLA' positioned to the right. The spoon measures approximately 4 to 5 inches in length. The neck of the spoon is decorated with a raised, feathered or leaf-like pattern transitions into a slim, polished handle and an oval-shaped bowl. In terms of condition, the gold plating shows significant wear and tarnish, particularly in the bowl and along the handle edges, suggesting age and handling. There are visible surface scratches and some oxidation, which is common for souvenir ware from the mid-20th century (approximately 1950s-1970s). The craftsmanship is standard for commercial tourist memorabilia of that era, focused on local iconography rather than high-end silversmithing. The enamel work on the crest appears intact with no major chipping visible in the image.