Oneida Community Coronation Pattern Silverplate Iced Tea Spoon
Flatware - Iced Tea Spoon / Long-handled Spoon · Oneida Silversmiths (Community Plate), a premiere American manufacturer founded by the Oneida Community in NY in 1848, known for bringing high-quality silverplate to the American middle class.
Pattern: Coronation, introduced in 1936 to commemorate the expected coronation of King Edward VIII; it remains one of the most successful silver patterns in history.
Type
Flatware - Iced Tea Spoon / Long-handled Spoon
Maker
Oneida Silversmiths (Community Plate), a premiere American manufacturer founded by the Oneida Community in NY in 1848, known for bringing high-quality silverplate to the American middle class.
Material
Silverplate; high-quality electroplated silver over a nickel-copper-zinc base metal (often referred to as EPNS). High-wear pieces by Oneida frequently used extra silver reinforcement at the heel.
Dimensions
Approximately 7.5 to 8 inches (19-20 cm) in length. Weight is approximately 35-42 grams. Designed with a long, slender handle to reach the bottom of tall glassware.
Description
An elegant example of 20th-century American table service, this Coronation iced tea spoon captures the transitional aesthetic of the late 1930s. The elongated handle provides a graceful silhouette, terminating in an intricately pierced crown motif that reflects Oneida's commitment to mimicking solid sterling aesthetics in affordable silverplate. It is a staple of mid-century Americana dining.
Key Features
Distinctive three-part piercing at the tip of the handle; deep vertical fluting; 'Coronet' tip; long slender shaft for tall glassware.
Material & Composition
Silverplate; high-quality electroplated silver over a nickel-copper-zinc base metal (often referred to as EPNS). High-wear pieces by Oneida frequently used extra silver reinforcement at the heel.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish with Art Deco piercing at the terminal. The pattern features a distinctive 'coronet' or crown-like motif at the handle end with fine vertical ribbing and floral piercing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped 'COMMUNITY' or 'ONEIDA COMMUNITY' on the reverse of the handle, often accompanied by the plate designation such as 'PLATE'. Hallmarks for this line are typically recessed block letters.
Construction Details
Precision die-struck manufacturing. The bowl is forged thin for a delicate 'mouth feel' while the handle is reinforced for rigidity to withstand stirring through ice.
Functional Features
Extra-long handle for use with tall iced tea or sundae glasses; narrowed oval bowl specifically sized for stirring within confined diameters.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated with the bowl. Features a flared terminal with scrolled edges and symmetrical piercings that exemplify late Art Deco design.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial craftsmanship. The piercing is crisp without burrs, and the balance of the long handle is calibrated to prevent the spoon from tipping out of a glass.
Authentication Indicators
The profile of the Coronation pattern is highly distinct; the piercing is clean and symmetrical, characteristic of Oneida's high-pressure dies rather than manual fretwork or poorer cast reproductions.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; manufactured in Oneida, New York, utilizing industrialized mass-production techniques that ensured uniform quality across millions of pieces.
Era & Period
Late Art Deco / Streamline Moderne (c. 1930s-1940s). The design movements influenced the clean vertical lines and geometric floral elements of the pattern.
Age Estimate
Circa 1936-1950. While the pattern was produced longer, the weight and depth of the stamping in this piece suggest mid-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the United States; providing the average household with the 'look' of high-end Tiffany or Gorham sterling at a fraction of the price during the recovery from the Great Depression.
Condition Notes
Good condition with visible surface scratches consistent with use. Tarnish is minimal but present in the crevices of the terminal piercing. Plating appears intact without 'bleeding' of base metal (silver loss).
Value Estimate
$8 - $15 USD per spoon depending on the thickness of the remaining silver plate and whether the piercing is clean.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's Silver Cream to remove tarnish. Avoid automatic dishwashers, as high heat and harsh detergents can strip the thin silver plating over time.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Morning Star (similar Art Deco vibe), Gorham Chantilly (more traditional), or International Silver Royal Danish (more modern).
Interesting Facts
The 'Coronation' pattern was almost renamed because Edward VIII abdicated before his coronation occurred, but Oneida kept the name, and it became their all-time bestseller.