R.L.W. Sterling Silver Twisted Stem Iced Tea Spoon with Jigger End
Flatware (Barware/Specialty Serving Piece) · Attributed to R.L.W. (Possibly Robert L. Wilson or a similar boutique American silversmith). The brand signifies a mid-tier American specialty producer active in the early to mid-20th century, specializing in novelty and functional barware.
Pattern: Twisted Stem / Bar Bell Pattern; unidentified specific trade name. This style was highly popular for soda fountain and home bar sets during the Prohibition and post-Prohibition eras.
Type
Flatware (Barware/Specialty Serving Piece)
Maker
Attributed to R.L.W. (Possibly Robert L. Wilson or a similar boutique American silversmith). The brand signifies a mid-tier American specialty producer active in the early to mid-20th century, specializing in novelty and functional barware.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no weighted base or base metal core.
Dimensions
Length: Approximately 8 to 9 inches (standard iced tea length). Weight: Estimated 25-35 grams. The bowl is a standard teaspoon size, while the terminal is approximately 1 inch in height.
Description
This versatile sterling silver bar tool combines the elegance of an iced tea spoon with the utility of a cocktail jigger. The bowl is perfectly sized for deep glasses, while the long, twisted stem ensures an effortless stir. The piece is finished with a striking conical terminal that serves as both a counterweight and a functional measure. It represents the height of mid-century American entertaining, where silver was as much about utility as it was about social status.
Key Features
Unique jigger-style terminal; twisted wire stem; 'R.L.W.' maker's mark; unusually deep bowl for an iced tea spoon.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no weighted base or base metal core.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-polished finish. Features a machine-twisted square-wire stem and a conical, hollow-formed terminal. The style is utilitarian with a slight Art Deco influence in the geometric taper of the handle end.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'STERLING' in a sans-serif font indicating American origin. The maker's mark 'R.L.W.' is stamped below the purity mark on the reverse of the spoon bowl.
Construction Details
Multi-part construction. The spoon bowl is die-struck, the stem is twisted square wire, and the conical end is formed from a rolled sheet and soldered to the stem. The connections are visible near the neck and the base of the cone.
Functional Features
Dual-purpose design: A deep, round bowl for stirring and sipping tall drinks, and a hollow conical terminal designed to act as a jigger (measuring cup) or a muddler for crushing sugar or mint.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid twisted silver stem providing a high-friction grip for stirring through ice. The terminal is a smooth sterling silver cone, acting as a weighted counterbalance to the spoon bowl.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial-grade craftsmanship. The twisting of the silver is uniform, and the soldering of the three components is clean. The stamp is centered but shows slight 'bounce' typical of manual striking.
Authentication Indicators
The 'STERLING' mark is consistent with 20th-century U.S. standards. The wear patterns on the bowl (bottom exterior) suggest genuine age and surface contact. The soldering at the neck shows appropriate hand-finishing for this grade of silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Likely produced in a Northeastern silver hub like Providence, RI or Newark, NJ, where many smaller firms like R.L.W. operated.
Era & Period
Art Deco/Mid-Century Modern transition (c. 1930s-1950s). The sleek, functionalist design and the rise of home cocktail culture define this period's barware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1955. The font style of the stamps and the specific construction of the twisted wire are typical of mid-20th century American production.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the post-prohibition ‘Cocktail Hour’ culture in America, where specialized tools were created to elevate the home hospitality experience. It denotes a shift from formal Victorian dining to relaxed, specialized social drinking.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Surface shows moderate 'patina' consisting of fine light scratches and micro-dents consistent with use. Light tarnish is visible in the twists of the stem. No evidence of professional repair or significant structural deformation.
Value Estimate
$40 - $75 USD. Value is driven by the silver weight and the collectible nature of vintage barware, though the maker R.L.W. is not currently a high-premium name.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; polish with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean tarnish out of the twisted stem. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Bamboo' iced tea spoons; Gorham 'Strasbourg' long-handle spoons. Unlike those, this piece includes a functional jigger end which is less common and more sought after by barware collectors.
Interesting Facts
Items like this were often sold in 'tally sets' or given as gifts for wedding anniversaries. During the mid-20th century, these spoons were known as 'tall drink stirrers' and were essential for serving Mint Juleps or Tom Collins cocktails.