Silverplate Figural Eagle Souvenir Spoon with Braided Stem
Flatware (Souvenir Spoon / Demitasse Spoon) · Unknown; typically mass-produced by manufacturers such as Wm. Rogers, Oneida, or European companies like Alpacca or WMF specializing in souvenir wares.
Pattern: Generic Figural Eagle; no specific named collection, common in mid-20th-century travel souvenirs.
Type
Flatware (Souvenir Spoon / Demitasse Spoon)
Maker
Unknown; typically mass-produced by manufacturers such as Wm. Rogers, Oneida, or European companies like Alpacca or WMF specializing in souvenir wares.
Material
Silver plate (likely EPNS or Nickel Silver) over a base metal (copper, brass, or nickel). No visible 'Sterling' hallmarks; the color and wear suggest electroplate.
Dimensions
Approximately 4.5 to 5 inches (11.4 - 12.7 cm) in length. Estimated weight: 15-20 grams.
Description
A charming mid-century silverplated souvenir spoon featuring a prominent figural eagle terminal with wings spread in flight. The stem is uniquely designed with a braided, helical twist that leads to a simple, polished demitasse bowl. This piece is representative of mid-20th-century travel collectibles often found in gift shops throughout North America and Europe.
Key Features
Figural eagle finial, twisted/braided stem design, small demitasse scale, and likely silver-on-base-metal construction.
Material & Composition
Silver plate (likely EPNS or Nickel Silver) over a base metal (copper, brass, or nickel). No visible 'Sterling' hallmarks; the color and wear suggest electroplate.
Finish & Decoration
Cast figural terminal featuring a bald eagle with wings spread, a spiraling braided/twisted stem, and a simple egg-shaped bowl with a satin-to-bright finish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not clearly visible in the image but likely located on the back of the stem or bowl; expected marks are 'EPNS', 'Silverplate', or a small maker's logo.
Construction Details
Likely die-cast or machine-stamped with the eagle terminal cast separately and soldered to the twisted stem. Machine-manufactured for mass market.
Functional Features
Small demitasse-sized bowl designed for stirring coffee or espresso; primary function is decorative/collectible souvenir.
Handle & Grip Details
Twisted/braided wire-style handle provides a textured grip; features a heavy figural eagle finial at the terminal end.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade; the casting of the eagle shows moderate detail in the feathers but lacks the fine definition and hand-tooling found in high-end sterling silver figural pieces.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of 'Sterling' mark suggests silverplate; the heavy seam lines on the eagle casting indicate machine-casting rather than hand-chasing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Could be US-made for a national park or German/European manufacturing for the export market. Lacks the refinement of high-end hand-wrought silver.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Post-War era, c. 1950-1970); represents the boom in automotive and international tourism and collectible souvenir spoons.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970; based on the style of the casting, the subject matter, and the finish.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-century tradition of 'spooning'—the hobby of collecting spoons from various destinations to display in wooden wall racks as a record of one's travels.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Minimal visible tarnish but showing surface scratches and patina consistent with age and shelf-wear in a thrift/antique mall environment.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD; value is nominal as a mass-produced silverplated souvenir item.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; use a mild silver polish like Wright's Silver Cream if tarnish appears. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that may wear through the plating to the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Holland Windmill spoons, State Capitol spoons by heirloom brands, or Gorham Sterling souvenir spoons (which would be higher value and hallmarked Sterling).
Interesting Facts
Souvenir spoon collecting became a global craze in the late 19th century. By the mid-20th century, eagle motifs were frequently used to appeal to travelers in the United States as symbols of patriotism.