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Full DescriptionItem Type: Antique / Vintage
Souvenir Spoon.Metal Purity / Material: Sterling Silver (marked .925 silver standard).Maker / Hallmarks:
Stamped on the reverse of the neck: [P] [Heart/Shield] [B] STERLING, which corresponds to Paye & Baker Mfg. Co. (North Attleboro, Massachusetts), a prominent American manufacturer of souvenir spoons active from the late 19th through early 20th century.Handle Design:Finial / Lower Handle: Features a relief profile bust of a Native American chief wearing a feather headdress.Stem: Decorated with an ear of corn (maize) and corn husks winding up toward the drop/bowl junction.Bowl Design:
Embossed/engraved scene depicting a historic school building.
Lettered along the sides of the building: \"High School\" (right) and a town name on the left (appears to read \"Lake City, IA\" / Lake City High School).Back of the bowl is smooth/plain.Detailed Condition ReportOverall Condition: Very Good antique/vintage condition with normal age-related patina and light cosmetic wear.Structural Integrity:
No bends, twists, or warping along the stem or handle.
The bowl rim remains even and symmetrical without chips, dings, heavy dents, or rim bites.Surface & Finish:Tarnish / Oxidation: Moderate natural patina present in the crevices of the relief work, accentuating the details on the chief, cornstalks, and building.Spotted Tarnish (Bowl Reverse): The back of the bowl shows scattered pinpoint dark oxidation spots and cloudy tarnish, consistent with unpolished aged silver. These typically polish out with a gentle silver cream/cloth if desired, or can be left untouched for collectors who prefer original patina.Fine Wear: Faint surface micro-scratches/swirls visible on the smooth surfaces (primarily the reverse of the handle and bowl) from gentle handling and age.Markings & Relief:
Relief details on both the Native American figure and the high school building remain crisp and legible.
Maker\'s hallmarks and \"STERLING\" stamp on the reverse neck are sharp and clearly legible.Please review the attached pictures for additional details. Shipping will be combined for multiple items purchased and shipped in the same package.
