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 Figural spoon mystery
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| Author | Topic: Figural spoon mystery |
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Maltman Posts: 8 |
posted 04-05-2023 05:04 PM
  
I'm a long-time amateur silver enthusiast seeking information on a little spoon I recently bought in an online, mixed lot silver charity auction. There was little information on any of the included pieces other then photos of marks. However, this spoon has no marks. It feels a bit "sturdier" than sterling. I'm thinking 900 or 850 parts silver, maybe of European origin. Is this spoon design and/or construction familiar to anyone in this forum? Any information or ideas about it would be most appreciated. Thank you, Madelyn IP: Logged |
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June Martin Forum Master Posts: 1334 |
posted 04-05-2023 07:05 PM
Hi Madelyn and welcome. Please post a photo. Without that it is hard to opine. June IP: Logged |
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Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11539 |
posted 04-05-2023 07:26 PM
See: How to Post Photos in the SSFPG IP: Logged |
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Maltman Posts: 8 |
posted 04-05-2023 07:28 PM
Hi June. I'm having trouble linking the photos and have reached out to admin. Thanks for responding. - Madelyn IP: Logged |
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Maltman Posts: 8 |
posted 04-05-2023 07:59 PM
 [snip... Please properly post images. Good job on the first.] See: How to Post Photos in the SSFPG [This message has been edited by Scott Martin (edited 04-05-2023).] IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2350 |
posted 04-08-2023 08:22 PM
The offset handle goes back the early Roman spoons while the snakes are reminiscent of the Greek Rod of Asclepius with extra snakes. The silversmith that made your spoon was very skilled, but the symbolism evades me. Thanks for showing us your interesting spoon. [This message has been edited by ahwt (edited 04-08-2023).] IP: Logged |
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Maltman Posts: 8 |
posted 04-09-2023 01:11 PM
Interesting information. Thanks much for taking the time to respond. IP: Logged |
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Kimo Posts: 1642 |
posted 04-17-2023 08:51 AM
I do not know either, but a couple of thoughts are that given that it has no markings of any kind, and that it feels sturdier than silver it may not be silver but rather either silver plate or something like nickel silver which has no silver in it. One would need to put it under an XRF to see what the exact metal is (acids and scratch tests and the like are not reliable). As Ahwt mentioned, the design with the offset handle goes way back, but that does not mean it might not have been made more recently with an intent to copy an old design. It is hard to say from just a photo, but it does not appear to have much wear making less likely to be very old. I do not think that it is European silver as that tends to be very well marked, even .800 and similar lower purity silver. Its purpose could be one of many - it may be a souvenir item made for spoon collectors or it could be for serving oneself nuts or candies from a dish, or perhaps for serving something like relishes, or even for loose tea from a tea caddy, or ??? I think it is interesting and I hope you use it for something fun. IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2350 |
posted 04-17-2023 11:52 AM
  These were the rest of the pictures that Madelyn had on her Silver Salon Photo Gallery account. The photo showing the back of the spoon clearly shows two ophiophagous birds having their dinner. I still do not know much about this spoon except that is attractive and interesting. I do wish that the artist that made it had signed it. [This message has been edited by Mod assistant (edited 04-17-2023).] IP: Logged |
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Maltman Posts: 8 |
posted 04-17-2023 01:41 PM
Thanks for the feedback, Kimo. It doesn't seem to be plated but it certainly could be nickel silver. I might have it tested at some point to determine the material.I appreciate your input. IP: Logged |
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Maltman Posts: 8 |
posted 04-17-2023 01:42 PM
Thanks for posting the rest of the pictures! IP: Logged |
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ahwt Posts: 2350 |
posted 04-18-2023 08:06 AM
Thank you for sharing your great find. If you do find out who the maker was please share it with us. IP: Logged |
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Maltman Posts: 8 |
posted 04-18-2023 09:37 AM
I absolutely will. IP: Logged |
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Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11539 |
posted 04-18-2023 10:04 AM
Snakes & storks..... To me the spoon looks like it has a purpose. Perhaps commemorative (birth), souvenir or maybe a sick/medicine spoon? IP: Logged |
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Maltman Posts: 8 |
posted 04-18-2023 10:10 PM
Hi Scott. It does seem like it was made for something special. Wonder if it was part of a small set. IP: Logged |
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Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11539 |
posted 04-18-2023 10:23 PM
It doesn't feel like there was a set but I've been wrong before. IP: Logged |
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