Art Nouveau Florals Pattern Sterling Silver Demitasse Spoon by Alvin Silver Co.
Flatware - Demitasse Spoon · Alvin Silver Co. (Alvin Corporation), established in New Jersey in 1886. Known for high-quality souvenir spoons and Art Nouveau flatware before being acquired by Gorham in 1928.
Pattern: Unidentified Art Nouveau Floral Series; features an organic rose and trailing bud motif prevalent in their late 19th-century designs.
Type
Flatware - Demitasse Spoon
Maker
Alvin Silver Co. (Alvin Corporation), established in New Jersey in 1886. Known for high-quality souvenir spoons and Art Nouveau flatware before being acquired by Gorham in 1928.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with a Vermeil (gold-washed) bowl. The stem and handle are solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 4 to 4.5 inches (standard demitasse size). Estimated weight: 10-15 grams.
Description
A delicate and highly decorative American sterling silver demitasse spoon. The handle is an exquisite example of Art Nouveau design, mimicking a living rose branch with thorny vines and leaves that swirl to form the grip. The gold-washed bowl remains bright, providing a warm contrast to the naturally aged patina of the sculptural handle.
Key Features
Open-work vine handle, deep three-dimensional floral casting, and well-preserved vermeil bowl wash.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with a Vermeil (gold-washed) bowl. The stem and handle are solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized handle to enhance the depth of the floral casting, mirror-polished bowl interior with gold wash (vermeil). Features Art Nouveau repoussé-style floral motifs including a blooming rose and open-work vine stem.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expect the 'A' mark with an eagle and scales (Alvin hallmark) and 'STERLING' on the reverse of the stem. Due to the angle of the image, the marks are currently hidden on the back of the neck.
Construction Details
Die-struck with hand-finishing. The handle features pierced open-work (negative space between the vines), which was a hallmark of high-end Art Nouveau silver sets.
Functional Features
Small, shallow egg-shaped bowl designed for sipping espresso or Turkish coffee; the vermeil lining prevents the silver from reacting with the acidity of the coffee.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral solid silver handle; curved, organic 'vine' shape providing a textured grip, ending in a sculptural rose terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
High quality. The piercing in the handle is clean with no flash or burrs. The rose petals are crisp and high-relief, indicating a well-struck die.
Authentication Indicators
Floral design complexity is consistent with Alvin production; the gold wash has authentic wear at the tip of the bowl; the 'vine' casting shows age-appropriate oxidation that would be difficult to fake on modern casting.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (Providence, Rhode Island or New York/New Jersey area). Alvin was a prominent American manufacturer during the Golden Age of US silver production.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau (1890-1910). The emphasis on nature, specifically the trailing rose vine and asymmetrical organic form, is characteristic of this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895-1905. The design language and the specific style of vermeil are consistent with the peak of the Art Nouveau movement.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal Victorian and Edwardian dining customs where specific spoons were required for every course, including the small demitasse spoon for the final coffee service.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The bowl shows some light surface scratches and tarnish (oxidation) on the edges. The handle has heavy oxidation in the recesses, which is desirable as it highlights the detail. No visible bends or repairs.
Value Estimate
$35 - $65 USD. Single demitasse spoons are popular with 'cabinet' collectors; value is determined by the intricacy of the handle design.
Care & Maintenance
Gently hand wash with mild soap. Use a silver polishing cloth on the high points only to maintain the dark contrast in the floral recesses. Avoid dipping in liquid silver cleaners which would strip the patina and the vermeil.
Similar Pieces
Ungut-series roses by Gorham (more symmetrical) or Whiting 'Floral' patterns. This piece is more naturalistic and 'sculptural' than standard Victorian floral spoons.
Interesting Facts
Alvin Silver Co. was famous for their 'Alvin's Bridal Rose' and 'Orange Blossom' patterns; collectors often look for these pierced pieces because they were more difficult and expensive to produce than standard solid handles.