Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Iced Tea Spoon, Unidentified Pattern
Flatware - Iced Tea Spoon / Long-Handled Drink Spoon · Likely an American manufacturer such as Gorham, Wallace, or International Silver; requires hallmark inspection for confirmation.
Pattern: Minimalist Plain Pattern; early to mid-20th century aesthetic reflecting functionalism.
Type
Flatware - Iced Tea Spoon / Long-Handled Drink Spoon
Maker
Likely an American manufacturer such as Gorham, Wallace, or International Silver; requires hallmark inspection for confirmation.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity) based on luster, though could be high-quality Silver Plate (EPNS).
Dimensions
Estimated length: 7.5 to 8.5 inches; Estimated weight: 25-35 grams.
Description
A sleek, long-handled silver spoon designed for tall chilled beverages. The piece features a perfectly oval bowl transitioned into a slender, straight-edged handle that exemplifies the clean lines of 20th-century silver design.
Key Features
Extreme length-to-bowl ratio; lack of surface ornamentation; specialized utility for iced tea or tall cocktails.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925 purity) based on luster, though could be high-quality Silver Plate (EPNS).
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with a simple, unadorned tapered handle. Minimalist style typical of the Mid-Century Modern or late Art Deco movement.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the reverse of the handle: 'Sterling' or '925' and a maker's symbol (e.g., Gorham's lion-anchor-G).
Construction Details
Commonly die-struck from a single sheet of silver; machine-pressed for uniform thickness and pattern consistency.
Functional Features
Elongated handle designed for stirring tall glasses without fingers touching the beverage; oval bowl for scooping sugar/ice.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle, integral to the bowl; sleek taper ending in a squared or slightly rounded terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-manufactured with hand-finished polishing. Excellent symmetry and balance characteristic of high-volume professional silversmiths.
Authentication Indicators
Uniformity of the pressing and the typical profile of mass-produced silver flatware from the mid-1900s.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States or Scandinavia, given the sleek, functionalist design profile.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970); characterized by the absence of ornate Victorian or Rococo ornamentation.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970 based on the handle silhouette and lack of decorative engraving.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war shift toward lifestyle-specific dining utensils and the democratization of sterling silver for daily use.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface scratches and possible light tarnish spots. Significant out-of-focus image prevents detailed inspection of edge nicks.
Value Estimate
$25 - $55 USD on the secondary market depending on maker and silver weight.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; polish with a soft cloth and non-abrasive silver cream; store in a tarnish-resistant chest or bag.
Similar Pieces
Wallace 'North Star' or Gorham 'Stepping Stones'; competitors include Danish modern designs by Georg Jensen.
Interesting Facts
Iced tea spoons became a staple of American dining sets in the late 19th century as ice became more commercially available throughout the year.