American Art Deco Monogrammed Child's Teaspoon
Flatware (Teaspoon / Child's Spoon) · Unknown American Silversmith, likely of mid-tier production such as International Silver, Rogers, or Wallace. The script engraving 'Child's' suggests a specific marketing towards juvenile sets common in the early-mid 20th century.
Pattern: Unidentified Art Deco 'Plain' or 'Tipped' style variant characterized by simple linear ribbing along the handle edge.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon / Child's Spoon)
Maker
Unknown American Silversmith, likely of mid-tier production such as International Silver, Rogers, or Wallace. The script engraving 'Child's' suggests a specific marketing towards juvenile sets common in the early-mid 20th century.
Material
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) or potentially Sterling Silver (.925). The appearance of spotty, uneven oxidation and the 'Child's' engraving are frequently found on silver-plated commemorative sets produced for department stores.
Dimensions
Estimated length of 5 to 5.5 inches (12-14 cm) based on hand scale; weight approximately 20-30 grams.
Description
This is a classic example of American utilitarian silver flatware from the mid-20th century. The spoon features a clean, professional aesthetic with triple-linear border detailing that highlights the flared handle. The bowl is a standard egg-shape, showing signs of heavy use and age-related oxidation. A distinctive feature is the professional script engraving identifying the piece for a child's use, reflecting the mid-century trend of gifting small silver sets for birthdays and christenings.
Key Features
Linear border detailing; script 'Child's' engraving; Art Deco spatulate handle; heavy localized tarnish in the bowl.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) or potentially Sterling Silver (.925). The appearance of spotty, uneven oxidation and the 'Child's' engraving are frequently found on silver-plated commemorative sets produced for department stores.
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with Art Deco linear border detailing. Features a custom script monogram or identification engraving reading 'Child's' at the terminal end. The bowl shows heavy tarnish and potential plating wear.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not visible in the provided image; they would be located on the reverse side of the neck or terminal. Expected marks for this style would be 'Sterling' or 'IS' (International Silver) along with a pattern number.
Construction Details
Machine-struck or die-stamped from a flat sheet. The crispness of the border lines suggests industrial manufacturing consistent with 20th-century mass production.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowl designed for liquid containment; tapered handle for ergonomic grip by a child or for tea service.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle integrated into the bowl; flared spatulate terminal with raised linear edges for structural rigidity and aesthetic trim.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial craftsmanship; the engraving is well-executed machine-guided script, providing a uniform and elegant touch to a production-line piece.
Authentication Indicators
The engraving style and linear pattern are consistent with American 1940s production. The way the tarnish has formed suggests a plated base metal if dark gray/blue spots persist after cleaning, or sterling if it wipes away to a bright white.
Origin & Manufacturing
USA; typical of the manufacturing traditions found in Connecticut (Meriden/Waterbury areas) during the height of the American silver manufacturing era.
Era & Period
Art Deco to Mid-Century Modern transition (c. 1930s-1950s), evidenced by the streamlined, minimalist linear design and the specific script style of the engraving.
Age Estimate
Circa 1935-1950. The font of the engraving and the geometric simplicity are key indicators of this date range.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-depression boom in consumer silver goods where silver (or high-quality plate) became an accessible luxury for the growing middle class in America.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant tarnish and potential 'pitting' or plating loss in the bowl. Visible surface scratches (swirl marks) indicate frequent cleaning or abrasive handling. No obvious bending or structural breaks.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD if silver plated; $25 - $40 USD if solid sterling silver, based on current melt value and collector interest.
Care & Maintenance
Recommended hand cleaning with Wright's Silver Cream and a soft cloth. Avoid dishwasher use as it can accelerate plating wear and cause 'heat-bluing' of the silver surface.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Strasbourg' (more ornate), Oneida 'Community' plate patterns, or International Silver 'Royal Danish' (if sterling).
Interesting Facts
During the mid-20th century, 'Child's sets' consisting of a spoon and fork were a staple gift from godparents. Companies often engraved the specific role of the piece ('Child's', 'Baby') if it was part of a display set for retailers.