Cast Brass or Gilded Metal Arrow-Form Tavern Spoon
Decorative Object / Tavern Spoon · Unknown; likely a mass-production foundry or souvenir manufacturer. Not indicative of a major silversmithing house like Gorham or Tiffany.
Pattern: Generic Arrow/Spearhead design; common in mid-20th-century novelty barware and giftware.
Type
Decorative Object / Tavern Spoon
Maker
Unknown; likely a mass-production foundry or souvenir manufacturer. Not indicative of a major silversmithing house like Gorham or Tiffany.
Material
Likely Brass, Bronze, or a Gilded Base Metal (zinc-alloy or pewter with a gold-tone wash). No evidence of sterling silver (.925) or silver plate.
Dimensions
Estimated 4-5 inches in length. Weight approximately 25-40 grams, consistent with dense base metals.
Description
This item is a decorative bar spoon or tavern spoon designed with a playful arrowhead finial. Unlike fine silver, this piece features a rough, sand-cast texture throughout and a brassy finish. It is intended for casual use or as a decorative accent in a home bar or kitchen setting.
Key Features
Stylized geometric arrowhead; uniform pebbled texture from the casting process; distinct brassy/gold hue.
Material & Composition
Likely Brass, Bronze, or a Gilded Base Metal (zinc-alloy or pewter with a gold-tone wash). No evidence of sterling silver (.925) or silver plate.
Finish & Decoration
Textured/Pebbled 'Sand-Cast' finish with a gold-tone wash or vermeil-style coating. Features a stylized arrowhead finial.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None visible. Quality and material suggest a lack of precious metal hallmarks or maker marks.
Construction Details
Sand-cast or industrial cast construction. The rough, pebbled texture on the surface is characteristic of mold-casting rather than hand-forging or die-stamping.
Functional Features
Arrowhead finial for grip; slender shank leading to a flat or slightly concave bowl (obscured) for stirring or scooping.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid cast metal handle, integrated with the head and bowl. No separate attachment points.
Craftsmanship Details
Low-to-mid grade industrial casting. Features uneven edges and a coarse surface finish typical of mass-produced decorative hardware.
Authentication Indicators
The lack of hallmarks, the presence of casting seams, and the brassy color indicate this is not a silver item. It lacks the refinement of a silversmith-made piece.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely USA, India, or Taiwan. Common in general giftware trade rather than specialized silver workshops.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (c. 1960-1990); falls into the category of mid-century novelty barware or colonial-revival giftware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970s-1980s based on the casting quality and specific 'gold-tone' finish.
Cultural Significance
Represents the popularization of 'historical-themed' household items in the mid-to-late 20th century, often prioritizing visual flair over material value.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible loss of the gold-tone finish on high points, revealing a darker base metal underneath. Surface texture is intentional but crude.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00. Primarily carries utilitarian or novelty value rather than collector or bullion value.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid silver polish as it may strip the remaining gold-tone wash or highlight the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Brass bar spoons, pewter tavern spoons, or souvenir arrow spoons. Distinguished from sterling silver versions by the rough surface and absence of purity marks.
Interesting Facts
Items like this often appeared in gift shops of the 1970s as 'Paul Revere Style' or 'Frontier' themed barware sets.