Tassel Handle Spoon Appraisal

Vintage Silver-Plated Tassel Handle Serving Spoon

This is an ornate serving spoon featuring a distinctive decorative handle designed to resemble a tied fabric tassel. The item is likely made of a base metal, such as brass or copper, and finished with a silver plating. The handle is highly textured, showcasing a woven pattern on the main body of the tassel, followed by a series of decorative moldings including a faux-knot, a spiraled section, and a ribbed collar that transitions into the smooth neck of the spoon. The bowl is a deep, oval shape with a high-polish finish, showing significant reflection. Based on the styling, this piece likely dates to the mid-20th century (circa 1940s-1970s), drawing inspiration from Hollywood Regency or Neoclassical revival trends that favored textile-inspired motifs in metalwork. The construction appears sturdy, with the handle cast as a solid piece or joined seamlessly to the bowl. In terms of condition, there are visible surface scratches and 'flea bites' consistent with regular use, and some dark tarnish is present in the deep recesses of the tassel's texture, which provides a natural contrast. No major dents or loss of plating is immediately obvious, though some wear to the highlights of the handle detail is expected. The quality of the casting is good, with sharp transitions between the different 'cord' textures on the handle.