International Silver Golden Ware Teaspoon

This item is a single teaspoon from the Golden Ware line, likely manufactured by International Silver. The spoon features a distinctive gold-toned finish, typical of gold-electroplated flatware from the mid-to-late 20th century. The handle is adorned with a detailed Florentine or textured bark-like finish, which was a popular mid-century modern aesthetic choice that helped hide fingerprints and scratches. The spoon remains in its original, thin clear plastic sleeve, which is topped with a gold-colored cardboard header bearing the text 'Golden Ware' in a black serif font. While the spoon appears unused because it is still in its original packaging, there are visible signs of aging. The gold finish shows significant oxidation and tarnishing through the plastic, particularly around the bowl and the edges of the handle, manifesting as darker, duller patches that contrast with the reflective gold surface. This type of tarnish is common for electroplated items where the base metal interacts with sulfur in the air over decades. The packaging itself shows wear, with crinkling of the plastic and slight fading of the gold header card, suggesting an age of approximately 40 to 60 years. The craftsmanship is utilitarian but decorative, intended for special occasion dining or as part of a collectible set.