Paul Revere Pattern Oneida Community Stainless Steel Oval Soup Spoon
Flatware (Oval Soup Spoon / Place Spoon) · Oneida Limited, specifically the 'Community' line. Oneida is an American manufacturer founded in the mid-19th century, known for transitioning from a communal society (Oneida Community) to a major industrial force in silver-plated and stainless steel tableware.
Pattern: Paul Revere pattern; introduced in 1959. This is one of the most successful and enduring 'Early American' or 'Colonial' style patterns in Oneida's history, frequently used in both residential and institutional settings.
Type
Flatware (Oval Soup Spoon / Place Spoon)
Maker
Oneida Limited, specifically the 'Community' line. Oneida is an American manufacturer founded in the mid-19th century, known for transitioning from a communal society (Oneida Community) to a major industrial force in silver-plated and stainless steel tableware.
Material
Stainless Steel. Specifically, this is high-quality 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel (chromium/nickel alloy), which contains no actual silver. The 'Community' branding historically referred to silver plate, but was later applied to their premium stainless lines.
Dimensions
Standard oval soup spoon length is approximately 6.75 to 7 inches. Weight is approximately 45-55 grams. It follows the standard 'Place' size rather than the larger 'Dinner' or smaller 'Teaspoon' size.
Description
This Oneida Community spoon represents a classic piece of American table culture. The Paul Revere pattern stripped away Victorian ornate excess in favor of the clean, functional lines of the American Federal period. It is distinguished by its understated elegance and the dual-texture finish (satin handle vs. shiny bowl) that was peak 1970s kitchen fashion.
Key Features
The 'Paul Revere' signature on the back of the stem is the primary identifier. The 'finned' or 'pinched' neck where the handle meets the bowl is the signature silhouette of this pattern.
Material & Composition
Stainless Steel. Specifically, this is high-quality 18/8 or 18/10 stainless steel (chromium/nickel alloy), which contains no actual silver. The 'Community' branding historically referred to silver plate, but was later applied to their premium stainless lines.
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Brushed finish handle with a Mirror-polished bowl. The decoration is 'fiddle' or 'old English' style, characterized by a clean, unadorned surface, a slightly flared handle end, and a distinctive 'pinch' beneath the bowl. It is a Mid-Century Modern interpretation of 18th-century Colonial design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The back of the stem is stamped: '© COMMUNITY BY ONEIDA 1973 USA Paul Revere'. This includes the copyright mark, the brand line (Community), the manufacturer (Oneida), the year of production/trademark (1973), the country of origin (USA), and the pattern name (Paul Revere).
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-stamped from a single sheet of stainless steel. The edges are tumbled and polished to remove burrs. Unlike sterling, which is often forged, this is a mass-produced industrial item using high-pressure presses.
Functional Features
Features an oval-shaped bowl designed for soup or dessert and a balanced, ergonomic stem. The stainless steel composition makes it rust-resistant and dishwasher safe, which was a major selling point for the 1973 production era.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid stainless steel handle integrated with the bowl. It features a flared 'fiddle' shape that fits comfortably in the hand, with a satin finish to minimize the appearance of fingerprints and scratches.
Craftsmanship Details
Quality machine production. The stamping is precise, and the transition between the mirror-polished bowl and the satin-finished handle shows high-level industrial finishing standards typical of USA-made Oneida.
Authentication Indicators
The markings are clear and deep, consistent with authentic Oneida production. The font and placement of 'Paul Revere' in script match known 1970s catalogs perfectly.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in the USA, likely at Oneida’s primary manufacturing facilities in Sherrill, New York. Oneida was a dominant forces in American cutlery during the 20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s - 1970s). While the style is 'Early American' revival, the manufacturing and finish are hallmarks of the mid-20th-century push toward low-maintenance, high-durability household goods.
Age Estimate
Circa 1973. The stamp explicitly includes the date 1973, which refers to this specific production run or trademark update for that manufacturing cycle.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'fine' dining in the 20th century. By using stainless steel instead of silver, Oneida allowed middle-class families to have a 'set' that looked traditional but required no polishing.
Condition Notes
Good condition. Displays typical signs of surface wear, including light 'patina' scratches from use and washing. No 'pitting' (corrosion spots) or 'disposal damage' (chewed edges from a garbage disposal) is visible. Overall grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Market value is approximately $3.00 to $8.00 USD per spoon. As a mass-produced stainless item, its value lies in its utility for those completing sets rather than as a precious metal investment.
Care & Maintenance
Extremely low maintenance. Dishwasher safe. To maintain the satin finish, avoid abrasive scouring pads. If water spots occur, a simple wipe with a soft cloth and a drop of vinegar or mild detergent will restore the luster.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Reed & Barton's 'Colonial Shell' or Gorham's 'revere' styles, but differentiated by Oneida's specific satin finish and the scripted 'Paul Revere' mark.
Interesting Facts
The pattern was named after the silversmith and patriot Paul Revere. Because of its simplicity and durability, it became the standard flatware for many US military mess halls and university dining rooms for decades.