Mid-Century Sterling Silver Long-Handled Iced Tea Spoon in a Fluted Handle Pattern
Flatware - Iced Tea Spoon · Likely American manufacturer such as Gorham, Towle, or Wallace Silversmiths; these firms dominated the mid-20th-century market with high-quality sterling production.
Pattern: Unidentified fluted-edge pattern with a clipped or pointed terminal, reminiscent of 'King Edward' (Gorham) or 'Rambler Rose' (Towle) silhouettes but featuring simpler longitudinal fluting.
Type
Flatware - Iced Tea Spoon
Maker
Likely American manufacturer such as Gorham, Towle, or Wallace Silversmiths; these firms dominated the mid-20th-century market with high-quality sterling production.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) is the most probable material given the luster and typical construction of this form in American dining sets.
Dimensions
Estimated length 7.5 to 8.5 inches (standard for iced tea spoons); estimated weight 25-35 grams.
Description
An elegant sterling silver iced tea spoon featuring a slender, elongated neck and an oval bowl. The handle expresses a refined Neoclassical influence with vertical thread borders that lead to a slightly flared, pointed tip, offering a timeless aesthetic suitable for both formal and informal service.
Key Features
Elongated handle ratio, die-struck fluted borders, and a clean, unmonogrammed terminal.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) is the most probable material given the luster and typical construction of this form in American dining sets.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish on the bowl; the handle features longitudinal fluting or 'fiddle' edge lines ending in a subtle decorative tip. Style is Neoclassical revival or Transitional Mid-Century.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the reverse of the handle would include 'STERLING', the manufacturer's logo (e.g., Gorham's lion-anchor-G), and potentially a pattern number.
Construction Details
Die-struck construction where the spoon is stamped from a single sheet of silver under high pressure, followed by hand-finishing and polishing.
Functional Features
Extra-long handle designed specifically for stirring sugar and ice in tall beverage glasses without the user making contact with the liquid.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle, integral to the bowl, featuring a flat-profile grip with raised border lines for ergonomic handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Clean edge finishing and consistent depth of the fluted decoration indicate high-quality industrial craftsmanship typical of peak American sterling production.
Authentication Indicators
The reflection Profile and color suggest high-purity silver; the sharpness of the handle design indicates a professional die-struck process rather than a cast reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States, specifically the silver manufacturing hubs of Providence, Rhode Island or Newburyport, Massachusetts.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War Era (1940-1960), evidenced by the streamlined decoration and classic proportions popular in American suburban households.
Age Estimate
Circa 1945-1965 based on the handle silhouette and the popularity of iced tea spoon sets during this period.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of American hospitality and the evolution of formal dining rituals to include casual, chilled beverages in the post-war era.
Condition Notes
Good condition overall; surface exhibits light 'use-related' scratches (patina) and minor tarnish in the recessed fluting of the handle. No visible deep pits or bowl deformation.
Value Estimate
$35 - $60 USD depending on the specific confirmed maker and current silver spot price.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; polish with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth to maintain the high-mirror finish of the bowl.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Chantilly' (more scrollwork), Towle 'Old Master' (more ornate), or basic 'Fiddle Back' patterns which lack the interior fluting.
Interesting Facts
Iced tea spoons became a staple of 'complete' silver services in the US during the 20th century, often sold as sets of 6 or 12 to accompany tall glassware developed for the American climate.