Egyptian Souvenir Sterling Silver Spoon with Camel Finial and Coin Bowl
Flatware - Souvenir Spoon / Demitasse Spoon · Unknown Egyptian silversmith or souvenir workshop. Common in the mid-20th century, these items were produced for the tourist trade in Cairo or Alexandria, often mimicking traditional Middle Eastern motifs.
Pattern: Traditional Egyptian Souvenir Design featuring a dromedary camel and rider finial with a spiral shank.
Type
Flatware - Souvenir Spoon / Demitasse Spoon
Maker
Unknown Egyptian silversmith or souvenir workshop. Common in the mid-20th century, these items were produced for the tourist trade in Cairo or Alexandria, often mimicking traditional Middle Eastern motifs.
Material
Likely Egyptian .800 or .900 Silver. The color suggests a higher silver content than plate, common for Egyptian tourist silver from the late 19th through mid-20th century. The bowl is made from a silver coin.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-12 cm (4-4.5 inches) in length; weight approximately 10-15 grams. This is consistent with demitasse or salt spoon sizing.
Description
An evocative piece of Egyptian travel history, this silver souvenir spoon captures the essence of the mid-century Middle Eastern tourist trade. It features a finely cast dromedary camel with a hunched rider atop a platform, transitioning into a decorative spiral twist stem. The bowl is uniquely formed from an Egyptian coin, showcasing elegant Arabic calligraphy. Its heavily patinated surface emphasizes the hand-wrought details and provides a classic antique aesthetic.
Key Features
Camel and rider finial; barley-twist shank; coin-form bowl with Arabic script; high-contrast oxidation.
Material & Composition
Likely Egyptian .800 or .900 Silver. The color suggests a higher silver content than plate, common for Egyptian tourist silver from the late 19th through mid-20th century. The bowl is made from a silver coin.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized finish with darkened recesses to highlight details. Features an Egyptian dromedary camel with a rider, a barley-twist (spiral) stem, and a bowl made from an Egyptian silver coin with Tughra-style or Arabic calligraphy.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the back of the stem or the edge of the bowl. Likely contains Egyptian 'Cat' (silver standard) and 'Lotus' (National mark) symbols, accompanied by an Arabic character date code. Sometimes marked simply '800' or '900'.
Construction Details
Multi-part construction including a cast camel finial, a drawn and twisted wire or cast stem, and a hammer-domed or soldered-on coin bowl. Hand-soldered joints connect the three main components.
Functional Features
Demitasse bowl for coffee or sugar; twisted stem provides structural rigidity to soft silver; finial acts as a counterweight and decorative grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Twisted 'barley' style silver stem for grip; terminal finial is a 3D cast figure of a camel and rider attached via solder at the platform base.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays typical workshop handiwork. The solder joint at the bowl neck is visible, confirming it is not die-struck as a single piece. The casting of the camel shows moderate detail typical of sand-casting.
Authentication Indicators
The coin bowl is a standard hallmark for authentic Middle Eastern souvenir silver; the casting quality is consistent with regional workshop standards rather than Western mass production. Wear patterns on the bottom of the bowl suggest age.
Origin & Manufacturing
Egypt, likely Cairo (Khan el-Khalili bazaar area). These were made in small artisan workshops employing traditional hand-silversmithing and casting techniques.
Era & Period
Modern/Post-Colonial Egypt (mid-20th century). Part of the 'Orientalist' souvenir movement popular with travelers and military personnel stationed in the Middle East.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. Based on the style of the camel casting and the coin bowl type (often used after 1920s-30s currency became decommissioned or specifically minted for souvenirs).
Cultural Significance
A representation of 20th-century globalization and the commodification of local heritage (camels, calligraphy) for Western travelers. It reflects the intersection of Egyptian silversmithing traditions with the growing international tourism industry.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Heavy tarnish/oxidation present in the recesses (intended to provide depth). No visible bends or broken solder joints. Surface wear consistent with age and light use. Overall Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD. Value is driven by silver weight and the 'souvenir' collector market rather than a specific famous maker. Coin-bowl spoons hold a niche appeal.
Care & Maintenance
Gently hand polish with a silver cloth. Avoid chemical dips as they will remove the dark oxidation (patina) that highlights the camel and calligraphy details. Store in a dry place to prevent further heavy sulfur buildup.
Similar Pieces
Often compared to 'Enamel Souvenir Spoons' from Europe or 'Tiffany & Co. Sterling Souvenir Spoons,' though Egyptian examples are distinct for their lack of enamel and use of coin bowls and cast animal finials.
Interesting Facts
Spoons like these were extremely popular 'Grand Tour' items for British and American soldiers during and after WWII. The use of coins as bowls was a way to prove the silver purity to the buyer.