Middle Eastern Palm Tree Finial Sterling Silver Demitasse Spoon
Flatware - Demitasse Spoon (Souvenir Type) · Unknown regional silversmith, likely Middle Eastern (Jordanian or Saudi Arabian origin). These items are often produced in smaller workshops or bazaar-style ateliers rather than major industrial manufacturers.
Pattern: Palm Tree Motif (Regional Souvenir)
Type
Flatware - Demitasse Spoon (Souvenir Type)
Maker
Unknown regional silversmith, likely Middle Eastern (Jordanian or Saudi Arabian origin). These items are often produced in smaller workshops or bazaar-style ateliers rather than major industrial manufacturers.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or possibly .800-830 Silver depending on exact regional standards; non-magnetic alloy body.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 4-4.5 inches (10-11 cm); Estimated weight: 8-12 grams. Sized for demitasse or Turkish coffee service.
Description
This charming demitasse spoon features a quintessentially Middle Eastern aesthetic, topped with a detailed relief-cast palm tree finial representing hospitality and the desert landscape. Used frequently in the service of strong, traditional coffee, these spoons are popular as gifts and travel mementos. The contrast between the textured trunk and the smooth bowl creates a pleasing tactile experience.
Key Features
Stylized palm tree finial, tapered 'stylus' style stem, small bowl proportions for Demitasse use.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or possibly .800-830 Silver depending on exact regional standards; non-magnetic alloy body.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized satin finish with cast relief. The finial features a stylized palm tree with textured fronds and trunk details. The bowl is a simple egg shape with a polished interior.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped on the back of the stem or inside the bowl. Likely contains Arabic script hallmarks, a '925' fineness mark, or workshop initials. In some souvenir cases, marks may be omitted.
Construction Details
Two-piece construction. The palm tree finial is a cast element soldered to a drawn or rolled wire stem, which is joined to a machine-stamped or hand-formed bowl.
Functional Features
Designed for stirring small cups of coffee (demitasse, Arabic, or Turkish coffee). Tapered stem for delicate handling.
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered solid silver stem terminating in a decorative palm tree finial. The finial provides a grip point and identifies the piece as a regional souvenir.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade craftsmanship. The soldering point between the finial and stem is well-blended, though the casting of the tree shows some mold-line remnants typical of high-volume regional production.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks on the reverse (unseen here) would confirm silver content. The visible oxidation in the crevices of the palm fronds is consistent with genuine silver's reaction to sulfur over time.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin likely Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Jordan, or UAE). Hand-finished in a regional workshop utilizing casting molds.
Era & Period
Late 20th Century (Post-1960s), likely Modern Souvenir Era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1990 based on the casting quality and common souvenir trends of the era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Souvenir Silver' market that peaked in the mid-to-late 20th century, where traditional cultural symbols were adapted for functional Western-style flatware for the tourism industry.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible light surface tarnish and minor 'flea bites' on the bowl. The finial shows good detail without significant rounding from over-polishing. Overall structural integrity is solid.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD for an individual piece; sets of 6 usually fetch $100.00 - $150.00 depending on weight and box condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid dipping solutions which can remove the intentional oxidation that gives the palm tree fronds their definition.
Similar Pieces
Egyptian 'Ankh' spoons, Greek 'Parthenon' spoons, or traditional Dutch 'Windmill' silver spoons.
Interesting Facts
Palm tree spoons like these are often sold in sets of six in presentation boxes throughout the Levant and Gulf regions. The palm tree is a symbol of life and abundance in many of the countries where this would have been manufactured.