Broome Western Australia Souvenir Enamel and Pearl Sterling Silver Spoon
Flatware (Souvenir Spoon) · Unidentified Australian or international souvenir silversmith, likely mid-20th century production for the tourism market in Western Australia.
Pattern: Broome pearling industry souvenir pattern featuring a scenic enamel finial and suspended cultured pearl.
Type
Flatware (Souvenir Spoon)
Maker
Unidentified Australian or international souvenir silversmith, likely mid-20th century production for the tourism market in Western Australia.
Material
Typically Sterling Silver (.925) or silver-plated base metal standard for tourist souvenirs, featuring vitreous enamel on the finial and a suspended genuine or cultured pearl.
Dimensions
Approximate length of 10 to 12 cm (4 to 4.5 inches), standard small souvenir or teaspoon size, light weight suitable for display.
Description
This charming souvenir spoon celebrates the famous pearling town of Broome in Western Australia. The handle features a highly detailed, colorful enameled finial depicting a classic pearling lugger ship. Below the enamel is a distinctive open circular loop from which a genuine or cultured pearl dangles delicately on a small wire loop, paying direct homage to Broome's rich heritage as a global pearling capital. The spoon finishes in a polished oval bowl with a tapering, cast floral-accented stem.
Key Features
Vibrant polychrome enamel finial featuring 'BROOME W.A.' and a pearling ship; unique openwork loop with a dangling pearl element directly referencing the local industry.
Material & Composition
Typically Sterling Silver (.925) or silver-plated base metal standard for tourist souvenirs, featuring vitreous enamel on the finial and a suspended genuine or cultured pearl.
Finish & Decoration
Polished bowl with cast decorative handle, vibrant multi-colored enameled finial depicting a pearling lugger ship under the text 'BROOME W.A.', and a delicate suspended pearl dangling within an openwork ring.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in the image, but typically stamped 'STERLING' or maker's initials on the reverse of the handle or bowl stem.
Construction Details
Cast handle with applied or set enameled pictorial terminal, openwork circular drop section, and a small soldered jump ring holding a dangling pearl.
Functional Features
Decorative souvenir spoon designed primarily for display or collection rather than active dining use, featuring a dangling pearl accent.
Handle & Grip Details
Ornate cast handle incorporating an open circular loop from which a pearl hangs, transitioning into a floral or scroll motif near the bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial tourist-ware craftsmanship with clean casting, neat enamel application, and a securely attached dangling pearl component.
Authentication Indicators
Typical construction and design motifs of mid-century travel souvenirs. The inclusion of a pearl is locally specific to Broome. Hand-finished appearance of the soldered dangling element.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made for the tourist market in Broome, Western Australia, a town world-famous for its South Sea pearling history.
Era & Period
Mid to Late 20th Century (circa 1950s-1980s), reflecting the height of tourist souvenir spoon collecting and the celebration of Broome's historic pearling industry.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1980, typical of mid-century Australian tourist memorabilia and commemorative spoons.
Cultural Significance
Represents the global souvenir spoon collecting craze of the 20th century while celebrating the unique maritime and pearling heritage of northwestern Australia.
Condition Notes
Very good overall vintage condition. The enamel appears intact and bright with minimal surface wear. The bowl shows light reflective polish wear and minor age-related tarnish consistent with display storage. No structural damage or repairs observed.
Value Estimate
General market value ranges from $20 to $60 USD depending on the silver content (sterling versus plated) and collector demand for Broome memorabilia.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft polishing cloth or specialized silver cleaner, taking care to avoid harsh dips that could damage the enamel inlay or dissolve adhesives holding the pearl.
Similar Pieces
Other Australian souvenir spoons featuring state floral emblems (like the golden wattle) or mining themes, as well as international enameled tourist spoons from Scandinavia or the UK.
Interesting Facts
Broome, Western Australia, was once the pearling capital of the world, supplying the majority of the globe's mother-of-pearl shell in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Souvenir spoons incorporating local pearls are highly prized regional collectibles.