Vintage Agra Taj Mahal Souvenir Enamel Sterling Silver Spoon
Flatware (Souvenir Tea Spoon / Demitasse Spoon) · Unknown Indian Silversmith / Souvenir Manufacturer; likely produced for the regional tourist market in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Pattern: Taj Mahal Pictorial Enamel Souvenir Series; typical of mid-20th-century travel memoribilia.
Type
Flatware (Souvenir Tea Spoon / Demitasse Spoon)
Maker
Unknown Indian Silversmith / Souvenir Manufacturer; likely produced for the regional tourist market in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Indian Silver (.900+); the finial features vitreous (glass) enamel over a silver base.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-12 cm (4-4.5 inches) in length; typical weight 10-15 grams. This is a demitasse or coffee spoon size.
Description
A classic example of mid-century travel silver, this spoon features a colorful enamel finial depicting the world-famous Taj Mahal. The cobalt blue sky provides a sharp contrast to the white architecture of the monument. The stem is sleek and tapered, emphasizing the decorative shield at the top. Such pieces were popular collectibles for travelers visiting the 'Golden Triangle' in India.
Key Features
Blue enamel shield finial; 'AGRA' text; Taj Mahal icon; tapered handle; small-scale demitasse form.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade Indian Silver (.900+); the finial features vitreous (glass) enamel over a silver base.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver stem with a champlevé or cloisonné enamel finial. The finial is shaped as a shield depicting the Taj Mahal in white enamel against a cobalt blue background, topped with the text 'AGRA'. Decorative scrollwork appears at the transition from stem to finial.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Small rectangular hallmarks are visible on the upper back of the stem, likely including a '925' or 'SILVER' stamp and a local maker's mark or assay mark common to Indian export silver.
Construction Details
Multi-part construction including a die-struck stem and a separate cast finial that has been soldered on. Enamel is hand-applied and fired.
Functional Features
Tapered flat-back stem for grip; decorative finial serves as a handle identifier; standard oval bowl (partially visible).
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered silver handle leading to an enamel shield finial. The shield is bordered by raised silver floral/scroll motifs and contains blue and white enamel inlay.
Craftsmanship Details
The enamel work requires significant skill in firing to prevent bubbles or cracking. The silverwork is likely factory-produced using dies, with hand-finished assembly.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark placement on the stem; typical Indian souvenir construction; authentic vitreous enamel (not cold paint/plastic). Wear patterns match a piece that has been handled but not used heavily for dining.
Origin & Manufacturing
India, likely manufactured in Agra or Delhi. Indian silversmithing traditions often merged Western spoon forms with local motifs for the export/tourist market.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Post-Colonial / Independence Era, c. 1940s-1960s). Reflects the boom in international tourism and souvenir trade.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970 based on the style of the enamel work, the font used for 'AGRA', and the hallmark placement.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Grand Tour' tradition adapted for 20th-century middle-class tourism. It serves as a physical 'proof of travel' and a token of cross-cultural exchange.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The enamel appears intact without major chips (cracking or 'crazing' can occur in these pieces). The silver stem shows light surface scratches and moderate tarnish/patina consistent with age.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD depending on the clarity of the enamel and the specific silver purity. Value is primarily in the collectible 'souvenir' interest rather than silver weight.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only. Use a mild silver polish like Wright's Silver Cream on the silver parts; avoid abrasive cleaners on the enamel finial. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
English Sterling souvenir spoons (often heavier/more ornate); Dutch silver enamel spoons; other Indian 'Temple' spoons which often use embossed silver rather than enamel.
Interesting Facts
The Taj Mahal is the most frequently depicted landmark on Indian souvenir silver. These spoons were often sold in sets depicting various Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Bombay.