Kleeblatt Silver-Plate Shell-Bowl Sugar Spoon
Flatware - Sugar Spoon / Serving Spoon · Kleeblatt (German for 'Cloverleaf'). This is a German brand associated with various silver-plate manufacturers in the mid-20th century, often distributed through retailers or specific cutlery workshops in Solingen or Hanau regions.
Pattern: Rose / Kleeblatt-Rose. This pattern features a simple, elegant stem ending in a shell-shaped bowl, typical of German mid-century functionalism with traditional flourishes.
Type
Flatware - Sugar Spoon / Serving Spoon
Maker
Kleeblatt (German for 'Cloverleaf'). This is a German brand associated with various silver-plate manufacturers in the mid-20th century, often distributed through retailers or specific cutlery workshops in Solingen or Hanau regions.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The '100' stamp indicates the grade of silver plating, specifically that 100 grams of silver were used to plate 24 pieces of flatware (a standard German plating metric).
Dimensions
Estimated length is 13–15 cm (approx. 5.5 inches). Typical weight for a plated spoon of this size is 25–35 grams. This is a standard sugar shell size.
Description
This is a German-made silver-plate sugar spoon featuring a classic scalloped shell bowl. Known by the brand 'Kleeblatt' (Cloverleaf), this piece represents the reliable quality of German industrial silver-plating. The shell-shaped bowl is a timeless design choice for sugar service, adding a touch of late-Baroque flair to an otherwise modern, streamlined handle.
Key Features
The '100' stamp for silver-plate thickness; the cloverleaf logo; the distinct shell-fluted bowl; the 'Kleeblatt-Rose' branding inside a rectangular cartouche.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The '100' stamp indicates the grade of silver plating, specifically that 100 grams of silver were used to plate 24 pieces of flatware (a standard German plating metric).
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with a Scalloped Shell bowl. The bowl is fluted in a classic shell motif, while the handle remains relatively understated to highlight the Rose pattern name or brand identity.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamp reads '[Cloverleaf Logo] Kleeblatt-Rose 100'. The '100' is a German quality mark for silver plating; it is not a sterling silver fineness mark. There is no '925' or 'Sterling' mark present.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through die-striking. The spoon is struck from a single piece of base metal (nickel silver) and then electroplated with pure silver.
Functional Features
Scalloped 'shell' bowl designed for scooping granulated sugar from a sugar bowl without spilling. The curved flutes help the sugar release easily.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle, continuous with the bowl. It features a tapered rectangular profile common in 20th-century German flatware for ergonomic comfort.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The crispness of the fluting in the shell bowl indicates well-maintained dies, and the clean stamping shows good quality control at the factory.
Authentication Indicators
The '100' mark is the industry standard for German silver-plate. The consistency of the machine-pressed mark and the uniform color of the base metal where scratched confirms it is silver-plated rather than solid sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Germany. Likely manufactured in a major cutlery center like Solingen. German firms were leaders in high-quality silver-plate for the domestic and export markets.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War Period (1950s–1970s). The typography of the 'Kleeblatt-Rose' stamp and the use of the '100' plating standard are indicative of this era's German manufacturing.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950–1975. The style of the marking system and the specific logo branding suggest a mid-to-late 20th-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal coffee and cake (Kaffee und Kuchen) culture of Germany, where specialized serving pieces like sugar shells, pastry forks, and cream ladles were essential household items.
Condition Notes
Good average condition. Visible surface scratches (swirl marks) and light tarnish are present. There appears to be some 'plate loss' or wear on the back of the bowl/handle junction where it rests on surfaces. Overall Grade: Very Good (Used).
Value Estimate
$5.00 – $15.00 USD. Value is primarily functional or as a replacement piece for a matching set. Silver-plate has negligible 'melt' value compared to sterling.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. Use a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's) only when tarnished. Avoid 'silver dips' as they can strip the thin layer of plating over time. Store in a soft cloth to prevent scratching.
Similar Pieces
WMF (Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik) Shell spoons or Wilkens silver-plate. The main difference is the specific 'Kleeblatt' branding and the font used for the 'Rose' pattern designation.
Interesting Facts
In the German plating system, '100' is considered a high-quality commercial grade, often used in hotels and middle-class households. It is thicker than the '90' grade commonly found on cheaper sets.