Silver

Collectible Spoons

Lot 858
A Bonanza of United States Spoons. Ca. 1940's-1980's. Here we go, with a dream assemblage of U.S collector and novelty spoons. Once again, found herein is wide variety of spoon types and shapes, some in teaspoon but most in demitasse sizes. The handles are simple to elaborate, with some sort of device to the finial -- from uncolored metal blazons, to enameled motifs, painted emblems, engraved devices or even little sculptures in the round. A number of spoons feature an open ring in the middle of the handle from which dangles an appropriate pendant related to the locale on the handle.The bowls include those of normal shape, shovel- or spade-shaped, along with being plain, with greetings, or name of locale. Just about any theme or location is covered. Among many colorful and amusing pieces is the World Famous Alligator Farm, in St. Augustine, Florida. We also note a spoon from the proud state of Wyoming, the handle topped with a sculpture in the round of the famed "Jackalope," an antlered, or "horny" hare! The bulk of the collection, again, is chrome plated steel, a few older ones in silver plate, and a couple in copper. Over 175 pieces in the lot. You don't want to miss this one!
Estimated Value $400-UP.

Lot 859
A Fun Group of Holiday or Theme Specific Spoons. U.S. and World, ca. 1960's-1980's. This is a festive lot indeed! Featured are collectible Christmas spoons of every type -- enough for the 21 days of Christmas, and more! A group of these, made in Holland, celebrate the annual Holiday from 1972 to 1979. Also there is group of 12 spoons featuring the signs of the zodiac. From the American Collector's guild, these are in handsome gold tone. Flowers are another popular motif. There are flower of the month spoons, flowers on anniversary spoons, and for Mother's Day, and just for flowers in general. Speaking of anniversaries, we see the inevitable silver plated spoons for 25th anniversaries, and gold toned one for the 50th. The remainder of the group celebrate a birth, the Pope, and St. Francis, or are just down right decorative. Rounding out the offering is a sweet toned dinner bell from the Grand Canyon. Spoon types, shapes, and finishes, like that seen in previous lots. All nicely preserved, several still in their original boxes. Lot of over 65 pieces.
Estimated Value $75-UP.

Lot 860
A Grand Collection of Foreign and World Spoons. Ca. 1940's-1980's. "Abundanza!" is what you have here! A virtual world tour of spoons! Once again, found herein is wide variety of spoon types and shapes, some in teaspoon but most in demitasse sizes. The handles are simple to elaborate, with some sort of device to the finial -- from uncolored metal blazons, to enameled motifs, painted emblems and coast-of-arms, engraved devices or even little sculptures in the round. A number of spoons feature an open ring in the middle of the handle from which dangles an appropriate pendant related to the locale on the handle.The bowls include the normal shape, shovel- or spade-shapes, scalloped, bowls made from coins, along with being plain, with greetings, or the name of the locale, pictorial vistas, with one or two being enameled pictorials. Just about any theme, location, or country is covered -- although we're not quite sure what sort of attraction "Mudhouse, Bangla Desh" is! European spots dominate the collection, but Asia, and the Americas are well represented, even the Pacific and Atlantic islands, and Africa. From Mexico, the favorite "classics" -- little spoons in silver with Aztec figure handles in carved green stone. The bulk of the collection, again, is chrome or nickel plated steel, with many in silver plate, and a few in silver and brass. Nearly 250 pieces in the lot, including a little necklace of decorative carved bone beads, from India or China. With this one, you can literally have the whole world in your hands!
Estimated Value $425-UP.

Lot 861
A Lot of Spoons with a British Slant, Including Coronation and Royalty Commemoratives. England, c. 1950-1990. Most important of the lot, a cased set of "Anointing Spoons," made in 1953, for Elizabeth's coronation. The set of six, in stamped bronze, are part of the "Original Regalia," and thus the originals would date to the Medieval period. Among the rest, several other with decorated handles relating to Elizabeth's coronation or jubilees thereof. Four spoons, with photographic finials, pertain to the royal family -- 2 with Diana and Charles, 1 with the Duke and Duchess of York, and 1 with Elizabeth and Phillip. The rest with pictorial views or coats-of arms finials from places within England and the United Kingdom, along with a few from the Commonwealth. The bulk of the collection is chrome plated steel, a few older ones in silver plate. Rounding out the lot, 3 "spoons" for setting tea bags on. Spoons mostly demitasse size, but some larger. A fun group. You can see why "Britannia Rules!" Lot of over 60 pieces.
Estimated Value $175-UP.

Lot 862
A Motherload of Spoon Delights for the Collector Who Loves Canada. Ca. 1940's-1970's. If you've been looking for that certain Canadian spoon, it's got to be in here! A wide variety of spoon types and shapes, predominantly teaspoon and demitasse sizes. The handles are simple to elaborate, with some sort of device to the finial -- from uncolored metal blazons, to enameled motifs, painted emblems, engraved devices or even little sculptures in the round. The bowls include the normal shape, shovel- or spade-shaped, and scalloped, along with being plain, with greetings, or name of locale, and a few enameled in full color. Themes regularly encountered are: the maple leaf, salmon or fishing, and of course, the beloved Mounties. One hilarious little spoon from Ottawa, was pridefully celebrating the country's war effort, the columnar handle was topped with a miniature tank! The bulk of the collection, again, is chrome plated steel, a few older ones in silver plate. Over 125 pieces in the lot. Try it, you'll like it.
Estimated Value $350-UP.

Lot 863
A Rare and Fantastic Set of Steel Dies for the Making of Apostle Spoons. United States, c. 1916. We are very pleased to offer this complete set of dies that were made up for the most famous and oldest of collectible spoons, the Apostle Spoons. Each Apostle forms a set comprised of a "trimmer" die and punch, plus the front and back dies, artfully engraved, which impart the modeled image to the spoon's handle. Each Apostle is depicted as a bearded male (except for one), with varying hair styles and degrees of baldness (or lack of), and in long robes. The figures stand on elaborate bases. Each has a specific attribute he carries, along with a book of Gospels. Sets can vary depending on which of 15 or so individuals, that made up the Apostles, are included. In this group, the following are seen: Die 151; St. Peter, with a key. Die 152; St. Paul, holding a sword. Die 153; St. James the Major holding a pilgrim's staff. Die 154; St. Simon with a saw. Die 155; St. Philip with a long staff surmounted with a ball; the staff should be topped by a cross, so presumably the sphere should represent a globus cruciger finial. Die 156; St. Andrew holding a cross. Die 157; St. Matthew holding an axe (a less frequent attribute). Die 158; St. Thaddeus, or Jude, holding a halberd. Die 159; St. John clasping a chalice. Die 160; St. Bartholomew with a butcher's knife. Die 161; St. Thomas with a set-square. Lastly, Die 162; St. James the Minor, with a club. The reverse dies have the word "STERLING" on it, and below, the maker's mark of a crossed pick and shovel, plus M, B. This emblem was used by Joseph Mayer & Brothers, who worked in Seattle, Washington around the turn of the century, and manufactured sterling flatware and souvenir spoons. The renderings of the Apostles are of very high quality, indicating that there was a costly investment in producing the dies. As already indicated, each Apostle consists of 4 pieces. In addition, there is a "blanker" punch and cutting die for 154, that of St. Simon, plus a jig, or template, apparently for setting the depth of the punches.The material is very well preserved, and should one desire so, most of what is essential to restart production is here in this lot. Lot consists of a total of 51 pieces. Collectors or manufacturers, this offering is too good to pass up! The estimate for this set of dies is a fraction of what the costs would be today -- for the die fabricating, engineering, and set ups for production, initial costs for such quality works of art could easily reach or exceed $60,000 to $75,000!
Estimated Value $7,500-UP.
Apostle spoons, in modern terms, are one of the oldest form of collector silver spoons available. The finial is designed in the shape of one of the 12 Apostles, although the specific details and attributes of each apostle often varies from culture to culture, or period and location. A full set of Apostle spoons will consist of twelve or thirteen spoons, usually silver, with a small figure of one of the twelve Apostles at the end of each stem -- if a set of thirteen, Jesus also is then included (the Master spoon). The Apostles are distinguished from each other by their respective emblems or attributes -- usually the instrument of their death. Some Apostle spoons have been dated to the 1500's but these are exceedingly rare. Generally, they begin to appear with any frequency from the 17th century on.
Researching the history of these spoons, it seems they were most frequently gifted individually, rather than as complete sets (such a gift being reserved only for the wealthy). The bestowal of such a spoon was a generous gift indeed, as the majority of spoons at this time were made of wood, or at best, pewter. Since they were luxury items at all times, affluent relations or grandparents would typically buy one spoon representing a baby's "Apostle" and it would be presented to the child at its Christening. This spoon would be used only by that person and it would be kept for life. Thus we see that most of the old Apostle spoons show considerable wear both at the finial, and at the bowl. It is thought that the phrase "to be born with a silver spoon" comes from this tradition.
As mentioned, were manufacturers of quality silver flatware, clocks , and other decorative items in the Seattle area. The dies were produced by Joseph Mayers & Bros. around 1916. E.J. Towle Co. produced and marketed the spoons. After both companies eventually ceased and were sold, one of the Mayers son's requested the return of the dies and they remained in the family's possesion until 1994, where they were disbursed in the family estate sale. The above pieces are all that remain of the total production pieces. Apparently the dies and forms for stamping out the bowls no longer exist.

Lot 864
A Varied Group of Antique Silver, Silver Plate, and Walt Disney Flatware. United States, ca. 1900's-. Among the varied groups comprising this lot, we see antique service plate, about 11 pieces, inscribed, with another 7 plain -- these generally with tipped or fiddle back handles. The spoons maybe both private and hotel service plate. There another 2 similar, but these in sterling. Another sub-group is a bicentennial period set of heavy stainless spoons, square backed, with each bearing the name and seal of one of the original 13 colonies. Related to these, three more spoons in traditional style, with portraits of Presidents Kennedy, Jefferson, and Harding. Other souvenir pieces are found for the states of New York, Michigan, Montana, and Gettysburg, PA. Along with a few pieces of regular flatware, the are specialty pieces from Coca-Cola, one celebrating the Model T Ford, and items from Walt Disney and Disneyland (dating from the 60's to 80's), with one in porcelain. Spoons and forks mostly of regular service size, with a few in demitasse size. The early flatware all with varying degrees of wear. Lot of 60 pieces. Peruse carefully, there is much here that is sure to please.
Estimated Value $100-UP.

Lot 865
An Attractive Group of United States Collector's Spoons, in Sterling, mostly ca. 1900. An interesting and varied lot of 13, all but two in sterling, with those two in plate. All with pictorial handles, or bowls, and dated mainly to the first decade before or after 1900. Locales include: New Timberline Lodge, Oregon; Niagara; Forts Polk and Dearborn, the latter with a finely detailed rendering, likewise the central library in Milwaukee. "The Heart of Detroit" also with elaborate pictorial bowl, with an equally attractive open work handle. Other exotic locales include Dima and Elyria, Ohio, and Las Vegas (this probably being the most recent spoon, c. 1960). One, from Dima, with engraved and gilt bowl. Overall spoons show little or no use, and are mainly teaspoon size, with few in demitasse size. Lot of 13 spoons. Fine collector or dealer material.
Estimated Value $175-375.

Lot 866
Another Fine Group of United States Collector's Spoons, in Sterling, generally ca. 1890's-1920's. Again, a varied but more elaborate lot of 7 pieces, all in sterling. All with pictorial handles, or bowls, or both. Spoons range from soup- to teaspoon sizes. The finest, patented in 1891, for the bicentennial celebration of the building of Mt. Vernon, shows on the almost rococo handle portraits of George and Martha Washington, in twin oval medallions, along with a splendid view of the plantation. Vying for honors with this, a quaint spoon with a nicely engraved bowl showing the canal "Locke, Sault, St. Marie, Mich." The handle on this with a marvelous front and back view of a northeastern Indian! Similar, but simpler, another Indian-handled piece with pictorial bowl of Spokane Falls, Spokane, Washington. From Florida, appropriately enough, a lovely grapefruit spoon, with pointed, cutting bowl, and artistic open work handle showing the fruit. Again, spoons show little or no use. Lot of 7 items. Choice collector or dealer material. A strong bid on this group will not disappoint you!
Estimated Value $200-350.

Lot 867
More "Spoonerisms" and Other Treats in United States Spoons. Ca. 1940's-1980's. Another batch of U.S collector and novelty spoons, much like the preceding lot. Again, a number of spoons feature an open ring in the middle of the handle from which dangles an appropriate pendant related to the locale on the handle -- one from the L.A. Zoo, with a charming pink flamingo dangle. Among others, there is spoon from the famed Busch Gardens, and a Pete, the Dragon, from Disney's Epcot Center. Perhaps the oldest piece here is a combination long spoon and bottle cap opener from Chicago's Morrison Hotel -- then proclaimed as the "World's Tallest Hotel." The bulk of the collection, again, is chrome plated steel or stainless steel. A few older ones in silver plate, with one or two in sterling, along with a couple of copper and pewter examples. Over 175 pieces in the lot. You don't want to miss this one!
Estimated Value $375-UP.

Lot 868
More Spoons, and Still Some More! U.S. and World, ca. 1920's-1980's. Here we find the remnants, overruns, and leftovers of the spoon collection. It's a grab bag of who knows what you'll find! We see a repeat of the Mudhouse in Bangla Desh, Mexican silver (including greenstone tiki-figured handles), and Spoon types, shapes, and finishes, like that seen in previous lots. Here we see also a little run of spoons from Klepa Arts, Czechoslovakia, with "painted" enamel finials, or bowls, or both, with scenes of birds, and replicas of Dutch blue Delft ware scenes -- these likely late 1950's, early 60's. All nicely preserved. Lot of about 135 pieces.
Estimated Value $225-UP.

Lot 869
More than a Spoonfull of Pleasures in U.S. Collector's Spoons. Ca. 1940's-1980's. More fun stuff from this never ending run of U.S collector and novelty spoons, all again in the vein of the preceding lots. Once more, a number of spoons feature an open ring in the middle of the handle from which dangles an appropriate pendant related to the locale on the handle -- one here from Illinois, "The Land of Lincoln," with a fine little bust of the beloved president. Other goodies include: a Hawaii spoon with splendid tiki figure with rhinestone eyes; a pictorial handle having the space shuttle, from the Kennedy Space Center; an old spoon from "Holiday on Ice"; and another from the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum in Victorville, California. The bulk of the collection, again, is chrome plated steel or stainless steel. A few in silver plate, with one or two in gold tone, along with a couple of copper and maybe a few foreign spoons that may have snuck in. Over 175 pieces in the lot. A handful of spoons here still in their original boxes.
Estimated Value $325-UP.

Lot 870
Russian Silver Spoons: A Lovely Little Group of "Loshkie." Ca. 1890's. The spoons, of silver, in traditional shape: with thin tapering handles of hexagonal section and topped with finials resembling the head of a chess piece, and broad, almost angular bowls. Two are of slightly differing sizes, yet closely similar style, and with the same hallmarks: classical female head, right, within square, a small square with 84 within, and square with NP within. The backs of their bowls with floral or arabesque engraving, with spaces to receive engraved initials or greetings. Along with these, another smaller spoon, similar, but with handle of round section and having a central zone of spiral ribbing, along with a rounder bowl. In addition, the spoon is gilt. The back of this bowl with oval panel in plain silver with finely engraved Russian cathedral rendered in niello. This with hallmarks dating it to 1895. Lastly, a utilitarian spoon in hammered brass or bronze, Russian or Eastern European, c. 17th or 18th century. This with thin rod- or needle-like handle, with narrow bowl having a central stamped foliate motif. All spoons finely preserved, the smallest with negligible wear to the gilding. Lengths: 4-1/8 to 6-1/8". Lot of 4 spoons. Bid well, this is a lot you'll like!
Estimated Value $400-UP.

Lot 871
"State's Rights," and More Delights, in U.S. Spoons. Ca. 1900's-1980's. The continuing saga of U.S collector and novelty spoons, much like the preceding lots. Again, a number of spoons feature an open ring in the middle of the handle from which dangles an appropriate pendant related to the locale on the handle -- one from Cape Cod, sporting a flame red lobster, and another with a dangling little ewer, this for the 1987 America's Cup. Among the antique spoons: one from the Panama Pacific Exposition, in San Francisco, 1915 (apparently in silver, but unmarked); a silver plated demitasse displaying the proud battleship Maine, all 6682 tons of her; and two handmade pieces with spirally twisted handles and gilt bowls, one for Buffalo, N.Y., and the other with ornate handle and engraved bowl from New Orleans. The bulk of the collection, again, is chrome plated steel or stainless steel. The older ones in silver plate (with a good run of spoons made by Cameo and Celest manufacturers in Australia), with a few in silver, along with a couple of gold toned and pewter examples. Over 175 pieces in the lot. This is a fun group!
Estimated Value $400-UP.