King Island Souvenir Spun Silver Plate Teaspoon with Enamel Insert
Flatware - Teaspoon / Souvenir Spoon · Unknown commercial souvenir manufacturer, likely produced for Australian tourist markets.
Pattern: Tourist/Souvenir Spoon Series featuring 'King Island' and local fauna motif.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon / Souvenir Spoon
Maker
Unknown commercial souvenir manufacturer, likely produced for Australian tourist markets.
Material
Silver Plated Base Metal (typically EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), featuring a vitreous enamel graphic insert.
Dimensions
Approx. 4 to 5 inches in length (standard souvenir teaspoon size), lightweight, weighing approximately 15 to 25 grams.
Description
An appealing vintage souvenir teaspoon featuring a classic decorative handle with scroll and leaf detailing near the terminal. The round finial frames a vibrant blue enamel insert displaying an orange crayfish alongside the inscription 'King Island'. The bowl is smoothly rounded and polished, displaying moderate tarnish consistent with age and storage.
Key Features
Color enamel terminal insert featuring local King Island imagery (crayfish), ornate scrollwork finial, and fluted stem design.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated Base Metal (typically EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), featuring a vitreous enamel graphic insert.
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with cast or stamped scrollwork handle, fluted shaft, and a round finial enclosing a color enamel inset depicting a crayfish and the text 'King Island'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in the image, but typical souvenir spoons of this style carry maker initials or 'EPNS' stamped on the reverse of the bowl or stem.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured with die-struck or cast handle components joined to a formed bowl, featuring a set-in enamel medallion at the finial.
Functional Features
Designed primarily as a decorative or commemorative souvenir item rather than for heavy daily dining use.
Handle & Grip Details
Ornate flattened handle with scrolling borders and a decorative central fluted channel, topped by an enamel circular terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
Typical mass-produced tourist-grade manufacturing, utilizing stamped metal forms, applied plating, and set enamel decoration rather than hand-wrought silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
Standard tourist souvenir construction with mechanical assembly and enamel insert; lacks precious metal hallmarks indicating silver plate rather than solid sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Australia or imported for the Australian tourist trade.
Era & Period
Mid to Late 20th Century (likely 1950s-1980s tourist boom era).
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980 based on the style of souvenir spoon and enamelwork technique.
Cultural Significance
Souvenir spoons were extremely popular collector's items throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, often purchased during travels to commemorate specific locations, landmarks, or regional specialties.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Moderate surface tarnish and minor scratching on the bowl and handle consistent with age and display storage. Enamel appears intact without visible chipping.
Value Estimate
$5 to $15 USD, largely dependent on collector demand for Australian regional memorabilia and souvenir spoons.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild silver polish if needed. Avoid harsh abrasive dips to protect the enamel insert. Store in a dry place.
Similar Pieces
Various Australian and international tourist souvenir spoons featuring enamel crests, local animals, and city views from the mid-20th century.
Interesting Facts
King Island, located in the Bass Strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania, is famous for its gourmet produce, including crayfish (rock lobsters), inspiring localized tourist memorabilia like this spoon.