Art Deco Style Silver Plate Iced Tea Spoon
Flatware (Iced Tea/Long-Handled Spoon) · Unidentified; form is consistent with major American manufacturers such as Oneida, Gorham, or International Silver Co.
Pattern: Art Deco architectural pattern featuring a clipped-corner hexagonal terminal and simple linear flanking bevels.
Type
Flatware (Iced Tea/Long-Handled Spoon)
Maker
Unidentified; form is consistent with major American manufacturers such as Oneida, Gorham, or International Silver Co.
Material
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) over a base of copper or nickel; no visible sterling hallmarks.
Dimensions
Approximately 7.5 to 8 inches (19-20 cm) in length; estimated weight 30-45 grams.
Description
A classic example of mid-century long-handled flatware, this iced tea spoon features a clean, architectural design language. Its elongated silhouette is balanced by a geometric terminal that reflects the transition from Art Deco to modernism. Designed for utility and durability, it exemplifies the shift toward 'easy-care' entertaining pieces popular in post-war American households.
Key Features
Extra-long shank, clipped-corner hexagonal terminal, and architectural beveling along the handle edges.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) over a base of copper or nickel; no visible sterling hallmarks.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish with Art Deco linear engraving; simple geometric terminal with stylized beveling and no ornate floral motifs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Underside of the handle likely contains a brand mark (e.g., 'IS', 'Oneida'), a quality mark ('Silverplate' or 'A1'), and possibly a pattern name.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped/die-struck from a single sheet of metal, typical of 20th-century commercial flatware production.
Functional Features
Extremely elongated handle designed for stirring sugar or honey into tall glasses containing iced tea or parfaits.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle, integrated with the bowl, featuring a flat profile and a geometric, pointed terminal for easy grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade; evidence of precision die-striking with consistent proportions and clean, albeit simplified, decorative lines.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic machine-struck edges and standard commercial proportions; absence of silver purity marks suggests high-quality silverplate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States; produced in large-scale industrial silver factories in Connecticut or New York.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960); design inherits late Art Deco and early Mid-Century Modern architectural minimalism.
Age Estimate
Produced between 1945 and 1965 based on the sleek, streamlined aesthetic and handle length.
Cultural Significance
Represents the expansion of specialized flatware sets during the peak of American formal dining culture where specific spoons were required for every course.
Condition Notes
Good condition; visible surface oxidation/tarnish, minor micro-scratching from contact with other utensils, no obvious 'plate loss' or base metal bleed through.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD for a single silver-plated replacement piece; significantly higher if part of a complete sterling set ($40+).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water; polish with a mild non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's to remove the visible tarnish. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Gorham 'Nocturne' or International Silver 'Royal Danish' (if sterling), though those patterns are more refined in detail.
Interesting Facts
Iced tea spoons became a standard part of American flatware services in the early 20th century as the popularity of chilled sweetened tea grew in the Southern United States.