Mid-Century Silverplated Iced Tea Spoon, Floral Pattern
Flatware (Iced Tea Spoon) · Unknown manufacturer; typical of mass-produced American or Japanese silver-plated ware from mid-level brands such as Oneida, International Silver, or Wm. Rogers & Son.
Pattern: Generic Mid-Century Floral Scroll; resembles popularized patterns of the 1950s-1960s. Non-exclusive commercial design.
Type
Flatware (Iced Tea Spoon)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer; typical of mass-produced American or Japanese silver-plated ware from mid-level brands such as Oneida, International Silver, or Wm. Rogers & Son.
Material
Silver plate over base metal (likely nickel silver or brass). Heavy oxidation indicates a thin electroplated layer.
Dimensions
Estimated 7.5 to 8.5 inches (19-21 cm) in length. Standard weight for plated long-handle flatware, approximately 35-45 grams.
Description
An elongated iced tea spoon featuring a classic mid-20th-century floral aesthetic. This piece epitomizes the suburban dining culture of the 1960s, where specialized flatware for cold beverages was a staple of hostess sets. The bowl is small and oval, balanced by a long, slender neck that leads to a decorative, scalloped handle with minor relief ornamentation.
Key Features
Distinctively long handle; small bowl; heavy tarnish; die-struck floral motifs at the waist and terminal of the handle.
Material & Composition
Silver plate over base metal (likely nickel silver or brass). Heavy oxidation indicates a thin electroplated layer.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized satin finish with relief-molded floral and scroll motifs. Features a violin-shaped (fiddle) handle profile with embossed rose-like clusters.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are obscured by tarnish on the reverse neck/shoulder. Likely stamped 'IS', 'WM ROGERS', or 'SILVERPLATE'. No visible sterling hallmarks.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped and die-struck from a single sheet of base metal, then electroplated. Industrial mass-production.
Functional Features
Extra-long handle designed for stirring sugar or honey into tall glasses containing iced tea or parfaits.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid one-piece construction with a flared, scalloped terminal for ergonomic grip; integral to the bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; design is molded into the die rather than hand-chased. Symmetry is mechanical.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of 'Sterling' mark; presence of dull grey oxidation characteristic of base metal exposure; die-stamping lines typical of machine-made flatware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Japan. Produced in a large-scale industrial factory setting using hydraulic press technology.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Post-War era, c. 1950-1970). Reflects the popularity of romanticized floral patterns for household entertaining.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the style of the floral embossing and the handle silhouette.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the mid-century; silver-plated sets allowed middle-class families to emulate formal Victorian dining customs at a lower price point.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor. Significant tarnish and sulfide buildup. Visible 'silver loss' or wear-through on high points of the decoration. Structurally sound but requires deep cleaning.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $5.00 USD. Primary value is functional or as a 'filler' piece for an existing set due to the commonality of the design.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cloth. Excessive rubbing may remove the remaining thin layer of silver plate. Do not use a dishwasher.
Similar Pieces
Oneida Community Plate, Gorham silver-plated lines, or stainless steel variants from the same era which would not show this level of black tarnish.
Interesting Facts
Iced tea spoons became essential in American households as 'Sweet Tea' and long-glass beverages gained national popularity in the early 20th century.