Mid-Century Modern Iced Tea / Long-Handled Parfait Spoon
Flatware - Specialty Spoon · Unknown American or European Silversmith; design shares characteristics with Gorham or Oneida manufacturing lines.
Pattern: Generic Mid-Century Stylized Pointed Fiddle; production status likely discontinued.
Type
Flatware - Specialty Spoon
Maker
Unknown American or European Silversmith; design shares characteristics with Gorham or Oneida manufacturing lines.
Material
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS) or low-grade Stainless Steel; lacks the distinct 'bloom' of Sterling .925 in current lighting.
Dimensions
Estimated length 7.5 - 8.5 inches; estimated weight 25-35 grams.
Description
A classic long-handled spoon designed for iced tea or sundae service, featuring a slender stem and a flared, pointed handle. The design reflects the transition from traditional ornamentation to the clean, streamlined aesthetics of the 20th-century American dining table.
Key Features
Extra-long shank, egg-shaped bowl, and distinctively pointed 'chevron' style handle termination.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS) or low-grade Stainless Steel; lacks the distinct 'bloom' of Sterling .925 in current lighting.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish with a thread-bordered handle; featuring a pointed terminal common in 1940s-1960s American tableware styles.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible; expected marks on reverse of neck would be 'IS' (International Silver), 'EPNS' (Electroplated Nickel Silver), or 'Sterling'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and die-struck with trimmed edges; typical industrial mass production.
Functional Features
Elongated handle for reaching the bottom of tall beverage glasses or soda fountain vessels.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal profile-tapered handle; flares toward a pointed, slightly scalloped tip.
Craftsmanship Details
Reflects high-quality industrial die-striking; crisp lines along the handle border and a well-balanced center of gravity.
Authentication Indicators
The machine-perfect symmetry and standardized pattern width indicate a post-Industrial Revolution production method.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Sheffield, UK; produced in a high-volume industrial factory environment.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970); characterized by streamlined forms and minimal ornamentation.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the geometric handle profile and utilitarian form.
Cultural Significance
Represents the formalization of casual dining and the expansion of specialized flatware sets to include pieces for specific beverages and desserts.
Condition Notes
Very Good; shows high reflective luster, minimal visible scratching or 'heel wear' on the back of the bowl.
Value Estimate
$2 - $15 USD depending on material (Stainless vs. Silver Plate) and maker identification.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash recommended to maintain mirror finish; if plated, avoid abrasive cleaners which can lead to 'bleeding' of base metal.
Similar Pieces
Oneida 'Community' Plate pieces or Gorham 'Melrose' long spoons, though this lacks the floral depth of more expensive lines.
Interesting Facts
Iced tea spoons became a staple of American silver services in the late 19th century as ice became more commercially available and tea became the preferred chilled beverage in the South.