Continental Gold-Plated Stainless Steel Flatware Handle

This item is the neck or handle section of a piece of flatware, featuring a distinct yellow-gold finish likely indicative of gold electroplating or a high-polish brass-toned coating over a base metal. The construction is evidenced by the clear, stamped manufacturer marks located on the reverse side of the narrow stem. The stamps include the word 'KOREA' in a block font on the left, the brand name 'Continental' in a stylized, cursive script in the center, and the word 'STAINLESS' in block capitals on the right. Physically, the item exhibits a slim, tapered design with raised decorative edges that transition into a wider, possibly floral or ornate handle terminal barely visible at the left edge. The gold-toned surface shows visible signs of wear, including fine surface scratches, micro-pitting, and some dulling of the luster, which is characteristic of household use. The presence of the 'KOREA' mark and the specific 'Continental' branding suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century origin, approximately 1970s to 1990s, when Korean manufacturing became a major hub for export-quality stainless steel dinnerware. The craftsmanship is typical of mass-produced consumer grade flatware, designed for durability while mimicking the appearance of more expensive vermeil or solid gold services.