Muscat, Oman Souvenir Sterling Silver Demitasse Spoon
Flatware (Souvenir Demitasse Spoon) · Unknown regional silversmith/specialty manufacturer. Common in Omani souqs and airports for the tourism and diplomatic gift trade. Similar quality to items produced by local metalwork workshops in Muscat or specialized international souvenir manufacturers.
Pattern: Omani National Emblem (Khanjar and Crossed Swords) Finial with Fluted Stem
Type
Flatware (Souvenir Demitasse Spoon)
Maker
Unknown regional silversmith/specialty manufacturer. Common in Omani souqs and airports for the tourism and diplomatic gift trade. Similar quality to items produced by local metalwork workshops in Muscat or specialized international souvenir manufacturers.
Material
Typically Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade 800-900 silver alloy. Common for these Middle Eastern souvenirs to be high purity silver, though sometimes silver-plated brass depending on the specific retail tier. Weight estimated at 12-18 grams.
Dimensions
Approximately 10-11 cm (4 - 4.5 inches) in length; bowl width roughly 2 cm. Weight approximately 0.4 to 0.6 troy ounces.
Description
This elegant silver demitasse spoon serves as a quintessential souvenir from Muscat, Oman. It features a deep polished bowl engraved with the city and country name, leading to a classical fluted stem. The piece is crowned with a highly detailed cast of the Omani national emblem, showcasing the traditional Khanjar dagger. Presented in its original blue-lined display case, it represents the intersection of Omani national pride and the traditional craft of silver smithing for which the region is world-renowned.
Key Features
Omani National Emblem finial (Khanjar and crossed swords); 'MUSCAT OMAN' interior bowl engraving; original blue-velvet style presentation case.
Material & Composition
Typically Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade 800-900 silver alloy. Common for these Middle Eastern souvenirs to be high purity silver, though sometimes silver-plated brass depending on the specific retail tier. Weight estimated at 12-18 grams.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish on the bowl, engraved lettering inside the bowl bowl reading 'MUSCAT OMAN', fluted/columnar stem, and a cast three-dimensional finial representing the National Emblem of Oman.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped on the reverse of the stem or the back of the bowl with '925' or a regional Arabic silver hallmark. In many cases, these specific souvenirs lack a maker's mark but carry a purity stamp.
Construction Details
Multi-part construction. The bowl and stem are likely die-struck or cast as one unit (or soldered), with the intricate national emblem finial cast separately and soldered to the top of the stem.
Functional Features
Small demitasse-sized bowl for coffee or tea service; decorative finial serves as a grip; original fitted plastic presentation case for preservation.
Handle & Grip Details
Silver fluted columnar handle ending in a sharp, detailed cast of the Omani Khanjar (dagger) over two crossed swords, the Sultanate's national symbol.
Craftsmanship Details
The finial shows decent casting detail while the stem and bowl indicate mass-production techniques refined by hand-finishing and engraving.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic construction of Omani giftware; font style for souvenir engraving; hallmark placement (if visible on reverse) usually matches local standards for silver purity exports.
Origin & Manufacturing
Oman (Muscat), often handcrafted or finished in local workshops specializing in silver filigree and national emblems.
Era & Period
Modern Contemporary (Late 20th Century to present). Reflects the post-1970 era of Omani modernization and tourism growth.
Age Estimate
c. 1980-2010. The style of the engraving and the plastic casing suggest a vintage souvenir from the late 20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the Omani tradition of silver craftsmanship, historically centered in Nizwa and Muscat. The item is a symbol of hospitality, often associated with the serving of Omani coffee (qahwa).
Condition Notes
Very Good. The bowl shows some surface tarnish/spotting (patina) which is typical for silver stored in high-humidity or within original plastic cases for long periods. No visible bends or structural damage. Plastic case shows light shelf wear.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD. Value is driven primarily by silver weight and its appeal to collectors of Middle Eastern memorabilia or travel spoons.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright's Silver Cream and a soft microfiber cloth to remove the spotting in the bowl. Store with an anti-tarnish strip inside the case to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Enamelled souvenir spoons from the UAE, Saudi Arabian silver spoons featuring palm trees and crossed swords, or vintage European travel spoons.
Interesting Facts
The Khanjar featured on the handle is the traditional curved dagger of Oman, a symbol of status and bravery dating back centuries. Giving silver spoons was a common diplomatic and corporate gesture in the Gulf region during the oil boom eras.