Godinger Silver-Plated Decorative Small Spoon with Scroll and C-Scroll Finial and Bowl Graphic
Flatware (Serving Spoon, Teaspoon, or Decorative Small Spoon) · Godinger (Godinger Silver Art Co.), founded in 1973 in New York, USA. Known for producing a wide range of silver-plated, crystal, and stainless steel giftware, tableware, and decorative items with a focus on traditional and ornate historical aesthetics.
Pattern: Unspecified decorative commemorative or novelty pattern featuring ornate scrollwork finials and a marked graphic element on the bowl. Pattern status is discontinued or vintage production from late 20th century.
Type
Flatware (Serving Spoon, Teaspoon, or Decorative Small Spoon)
Maker
Godinger (Godinger Silver Art Co.), founded in 1973 in New York, USA. Known for producing a wide range of silver-plated, crystal, and stainless steel giftware, tableware, and decorative items with a focus on traditional and ornate historical aesthetics.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely brass, copper, or nickel-silver alloy beneath the silver plating). No solid silver or sterling marks are present.
Dimensions
Estimated length approximately 4 to 5 inches (standard small spoon or condiment size). Weight is typical for a plated novelty spoon, estimated between 20 to 35 grams.
Description
This charming small spoon by Godinger showcases traditional revival aesthetics with its heavily ornamented, scroll-embellished terminal finial and neck. The high-polish surface is contrasted by darkened antiquing in the recessed areas of the cast ornamentation. The bowl features a distinct circular logo or graphic stamp, adding a personalized or commemorative touch to an otherwise decorative piece of tableware.
Key Features
Ornate C-scroll cast finial, clear Godinger maker's stamp on the handle shank, and a distinctive circular stamp/graphic on the bowl face.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely brass, copper, or nickel-silver alloy beneath the silver plating). No solid silver or sterling marks are present.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on the handle and bowl, with oxidized (darkened) recesses in the cast decorative finial and neck to highlight the scroll, foliate, and C-scroll motifs. The bowl features a printed or etched circular graphic/monogram seal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The maker's name 'Godinger' is stamped on the lower handle near the join. A circular graphic or seal mark is present on the inside of the bowl.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured with cast decorative components. The handle and terminal finial appear to be cast or die-struck and attached to a formed bowl, finished with electroplated silver.
Functional Features
Designed primarily for decorative purposes, condiment service (such as sugar or jam), or as a commemorative/souvenir piece due to the prominent circular graphic on the bowl.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle with an ornate, cast scroll-work terminal finial and bolster details. Ergonomically shaped for light handling, though predominantly decorative.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial quality production featuring clean casting for the decorative finials, standard electroplating, and machine buffing to achieve a high-gloss mirror finish.
Authentication Indicators
Clearly bears the 'GODINGER' brand stamp, confirming modern commercial manufacture rather than antique artisan work. The bright silver finish and standardized casting align with late 20th-century giftware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Manufactured by Godinger Silver Art Co., headquartered in the United States with production typically outsourced to international manufacturing hubs such as Italy, India, or China.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Modern / Post-1970 production), mimicking traditional antique or Victorian revival styling.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980s to 2000s, based on the Godinger maker's mark style and modern silver-plated giftware manufacturing standards.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the late 20th-century trend of decorative and novelty tableware, where historical revival designs were mass-produced for home decor, gift-giving, and informal entertaining.
Condition Notes
Very good overall pre-owned condition. The mirror polish is well-preserved with minor surface hairline scratches typical of handling and display. No visible wear-through of the silver plating.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $5 to $15 USD, depending on platform, collector demand for specific commemorative graphics, and whether sold individually or as part of a set.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and mild dish soap. Use a gentle silver polish specifically formulated for silver plate only when necessary to avoid rubbing through the thin plated layer. Avoid abrasive scouring pads and dishwasher use.
Similar Pieces
Various silver-plated condiment spoons, souvenir spoons, and jam spoons produced by Godinger, Wallace, or International Silver during the late 20th century.
Interesting Facts
Godinger is widely recognized for making affordable, ornate silver-plated items that emulate expensive antique sterling silver, making traditional table aesthetics accessible to everyday consumers.