3Com Promotional Souvenir Demitasse Spoon with Enamel Logo Finial
Flatware - Spoon (Demitasse / Souvenir Spoon) · Unknown promotional manufacturer, likely produced for corporate distribution by 3Com Corporation, a major digital electronics manufacturer founded in 1979.
Pattern: Corporate Promotional Souvenir Line
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Demitasse / Souvenir Spoon)
Maker
Unknown promotional manufacturer, likely produced for corporate distribution by 3Com Corporation, a major digital electronics manufacturer founded in 1979.
Material
Likely silver-plated base metal (such as EPNS or nickel silver) rather than solid sterling silver, given its promotional nature.
Dimensions
Standard demitasse or souvenir spoon size, approximately 4 inches to 4.5 inches in length, weighing roughly 10 to 15 grams.
Description
An interesting piece of corporate memorabilia taking the form of a small silver-tone demitasse or souvenir spoon. The terminal features an ornate scalloped and fluted border enclosing a round, vibrant yellow and green enamel cabochon or insert bearing the distinctive logo of 3Com Corporation. The bowl is smoothly polished and teardrop-shaped. While not a piece of fine antique silver, it serves as a fascinating artifact of late 20th-century tech industry culture and corporate gifting.
Key Features
Embedded 3Com corporate logo enamel finial, ornate scalloped terminal design, compact demitasse spoon form factor.
Material & Composition
Likely silver-plated base metal (such as EPNS or nickel silver) rather than solid sterling silver, given its promotional nature.
Finish & Decoration
Polished bowl with a decorative scalloped/fluted finial enclosing a domed enamel medallion featuring the corporate logo of 3Com.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in image, likely minimal manufacturer stamps or EPNS (Electro Plated Nickel Silver) markings on the reverse of the stem.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured, die-struck stem and bowl with a separately affixed decorative enamel medallion set into the cast finial.
Functional Features
Designed primarily as a collectible souvenir, coffee stirrer, or demitasse spoon, featuring a decorative corporate logo insert.
Handle & Grip Details
Straight narrow stem leading to an ornate scalloped terminal head framing the 3Com enamel logo insert.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial manufacturing quality typical of promotional souvenirs; functional and visually clean, utilizing applied enamel work for corporate branding.
Authentication Indicators
Typical construction of late 20th-century promotionalware; lacks traditional precious metal hallmarks, pointing toward silver-plated base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Asia or the United States as part of corporate branding and marketing merchandise campaigns.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century / Information Age (circa 1980s-1990s), reflecting the rise of corporate promotional memorabilia.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990s, corresponding to the peak era of 3Com's prominence in computer networking and corporate merchandising.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the corporate culture and marketing strategies of major technology companies during the late 20th-century digital boom, where branded merchandise was frequently distributed to clients, partners, and employees.
Condition Notes
Very good overall vintage condition with minor surface scratches consistent with handling and light use. Enamel logo appears intact without visible chipping. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Low market value, typically ranging from $5 to $15, driven primarily by niche interest from tech memorabilia collectors rather than precious metal melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soapy water if needed. Avoid harsh silver dips if the item is silver-plated to prevent stripping the thin plating or damaging the enamel insert.
Similar Pieces
Corporate souvenir spoons from contemporary tech and telecom giants such as IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, and Lucent Technologies.
Interesting Facts
3Com was a pioneer in computer network equipment, famously co-founded by Robert Metcalfe, inventor of Ethernet. Promotional items bearing tech giant logos from the dot-com era have developed a niche following among technology historians and memorabilia collectors.