Vintage Teaspoon Appraisal

Antique Ornate Silver-Plated Teaspoon

This is an antique teaspoon featuring a highly decorative handle in a Rococo Revival or Neo-Baroque style, characterized by intricate scrollwork, flourishing acanthus leaves, and floral motifs. The spoon appears to be made of silver-plated base metal, likely nickel silver or brass, as evidenced by the high-tarnish areas and potential plating wear. The handle is deeply embossed with high-relief details, terminating in a rounded, ornate tip. The neck of the spoon has a slender, contoured profile that flows into a standard oval bowl. Regarding condition, the piece shows significant atmospheric tarnish and oxidation, particularly within the bowl and the recessed areas of the handle's ornamentation. There are visible surface scratches and 'flea bites' consistent with age and regular use. The dark, uneven patina suggests a high silver content in the plating that has reacted to sulfur over time. While no specific maker's mark is visible from the top view, the level of craftsmanship and design complexity is indicative of mid-to-late 19th or early 20th-century American or European flatware production, such as those by manufacturers like Gorham, Reed & Barton, or Wallace. There are no signs of structural repair, but proper professional cleaning would be required to assess the full integrity of the plating beneath the heavy oxidation.