Simons Bros. Co. Art Nouveau Silver Olive Spoon
Flatware, Olive Spoon (Serving Piece) · Simons Bros. Co. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1839 by George W. Simons, the company became renowned for high-quality silver novelties, thimbles, and Art Nouveau flatware. They are particularly famous for their intricate floral and figural designs from the turn of the 20th century.
Pattern: Poppy Pattern (variant), introduced circa 1898. The pattern features characteristic Art Nouveau flowing lines, floral motifs, and organic stem-like handles typical of the Simons Bros. naturalist aesthetic.
Type
Flatware, Olive Spoon (Serving Piece)
Maker
Simons Bros. Co. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1839 by George W. Simons, the company became renowned for high-quality silver novelties, thimbles, and Art Nouveau flatware. They are particularly famous for their intricate floral and figural designs from the turn of the 20th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base of the bowl shows the metallic luster and patina color consistent with high-grade American sterling.
Dimensions
Approximately 6 to 7 inches in length. Standard olive spoon size with an elongated, slender handle and a small, oval, pierced bowl. Estimated weight is 20-30 grams.
Description
This elegant Art Nouveau sterling silver olive spoon by the esteemed Simons Bros. Co. illustrates the Victorian obsession with specialized dining implements. The handle terminates in a beautifully rendered poppy motif that flows down the stem toward a perfectly proportioned oval bowl. The central piercing serves both a functional purpose for draining olives and a decorative one, echoing the airy lightness of the Art Nouveau movement. It is a quintessential piece of American Victorian/Edwardian table culture.
Key Features
The 'Poppy' terminal design, the unusual oval piercing in the bowl, and the 'PATENT' stamp on the neck are the primary diagnostic features of this Simons Bros. piece.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The base of the bowl shows the metallic luster and patina color consistent with high-grade American sterling.
Finish & Decoration
Art Nouveau style. The piece features a die-struck relief of poppies and foliage on the terminal and along the neck. The bowl is uniquely pierced with a central oval aperture for draining brine from olives. The surface shows a light natural oxidation in the recessed areas (patina) which highlights the floral detail.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Contains the Simons Bros. Co. hallmark (often an 'S' inside a shield or a 'G.W.S' mark) followed by 'STERLING' and the word 'PATENT'. The 'PATENT' stamp on the neck indicates the unique design or piercing method was legally protected.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-stamped with hand-finishing. The bowl is integral to the handle, and the central drainage hole is precision-cut. The handle shows 'stem-like' tapering, a hallmark of 1890s-1910s American flatware production.
Functional Features
Oval pierced bowl designed specifically to lift an olive out of a jar or dish while allowing the liquid (brine or oil) to drain through the center back into the container.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with an spatulate terminal featuring embossed floral poppies. The neck is slender and rounded for delicate gripping.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The die-striking is deep and precise, showing the veins in the poppy leaves, a sign of superior tool-and-die work typical of Philadelphia silversmiths of that era.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark depth and style are consistent with Simons Bros. late 19th-century output. The weight-to-size ratio and the crispness of the die-struck pattern confirm it is sterling rather than a cast reproduction. The wear patterns on the bowl rim are consistent with age.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philadelphia, USA. Manufactured in the Simons Bros. factory, which was a leader in American specialty silver items during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau Era (1890-1910). This is evidenced by the asymmetrical floral arrangements, the focus on naturalistic forms (poppies), and the fluid, organic lines of the handle.
Age Estimate
Circa 1898-1910. The 'PATENT' mark and the specific Art Nouveau floral motif are strictly consistent with the company's production during the height of the Gilded Age.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Second Industrial Revolution' era of American luxury, where the rising middle class demanded specific tools for every possible food item. An olive spoon was a status symbol of a properly equipped, formal household.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. The piece shows light surface scratches consistent with use. The hallmarks and floral details remain crisp. There is no evidence of bending in the slender neck or repair to the bowl. Moderate tarnish present in the recesses of the poppies.
Value Estimate
$75 - $125 USD. Value is driven by the popularity of Art Nouveau floral patterns and the market for specialized Victorian serving pieces.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's or Hagerty. Use a soft horsehair brush for the floral crevices. Avoid silver 'dips' which can strip away the desirable dark oxidation (patina) that gives the poppy pattern its depth.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Poppy' pattern (heavier, more ornate), Tiffany & Co. 'Clover' pattern, or Whittaker 'Floral' lines. The Simons version is distinguished by its more delicate, slender handle profile.
Interesting Facts
Simons Bros. was the largest producer of thimbles in the world at one point, but their 'fancy' flatware pieces like this olive spoon are now highly sought after by Victorian silver enthusiasts for their whimsical, botanical designs.