Mid-Century Modern Stainless Steel Iced Tea Spoon
Flatware (Iced Tea/Long-Handled Spoon) · Unidentifiable due to image blur; appears to be a mass-market manufacturer like Oneida, Gorham, or International Silver.
Pattern: Simple Tapered Handle / Fiddleback variant; lacks ornate ornamentation typical of high-end collections.
Type
Flatware (Iced Tea/Long-Handled Spoon)
Maker
Unidentifiable due to image blur; appears to be a mass-market manufacturer like Oneida, Gorham, or International Silver.
Material
Stainless Steel. Based on the uniform gray luster and absence of tarnish or patina typical of sterling silver, this is a utilitarian base metal piece.
Dimensions
Estimated length 7.5 to 8.5 inches (19-21 cm). Weight approximately 30-45 grams. This is a standard iced tea spoon size, characterized by an elongated handle and small oval bowl.
Description
This is a standard long-handled spoon used for tall beverages. It features an oval-shaped bowl and a long, slender handle that tapers from the neck to a slightly widened, angled terminal. It represents the transition of household flatware from decorative silver to functional, dishwasher-safe stainless steel.
Key Features
Extra-long handle length, minimal ornamentation, and a utilitarian 'stainless' appearance.
Material & Composition
Stainless Steel. Based on the uniform gray luster and absence of tarnish or patina typical of sterling silver, this is a utilitarian base metal piece.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish. The design is minimalist Mid-Century Modern with no engraving, chasing, or repoussé decoration.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The back of the handle shows a horizontal stamp. It likely reads 'STAINLESS' along with a maker's name and possibly the country of origin (e.g., USA, Japan, or Korea).
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured and die-struck. This is a single-piece construction stamped from a sheet of stainless steel, then tumbled and polished.
Functional Features
Elongated handle designed specifically for stirring beverages in tall glasses (iced tea, parfaits, milkshakes) without the fingers touching the liquid.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid flat handle with a slight 'flare' at the terminal. It is an unweighted, single-piece metal construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-grade quality. Clean edges and uniform shape indicate high-volume die-striking techniques rather than hand-finishing.
Authentication Indicators
The 'feel' and color of the metal are inconsistent with silver. No 'Sterling' or silver fineness marks are visible; the stamp location is standard for stainless steel flatware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA or East Asia. Mass-produced in a factory setting rather than a silversmith's workshop.
Era & Period
Modern Era (post-1950s). The sleek, aerodynamic lines are indicative of 20th-century industrial design intended for ease of cleaning and durability.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970–Present. The pattern is a common 20th-century staple that remains in production by various secondary manufacturers.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift toward 'casual dining' in the mid-20th century, where low-maintenance stainless steel replaced high-maintenance silver for everyday family use.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scratches and possible light pitting/corrosion spots on the neck. The image is out of focus, making a final assessment of the finish difficult.
Value Estimate
$0.50 - $3.00 USD. This is a common replacement piece for an everyday set rather than a collector's item.
Care & Maintenance
Dishwasher safe. To maintain shine, avoid harsh abrasives and dry immediately to prevent water spots. No silver polish is required as this is not silver.
Similar Pieces
Compare to Oneida 'Northland' or Gorham 'Stegor' lines. Differs from silver-plated versions which would show 'copper' or 'brass' bleed-through if worn.
Interesting Facts
Iced tea spoons became popular in the United States in the late 19th century as ice became more readily available for beverages and the 'tall glass' became a dinner table staple.