blueyes29
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posted on January 11, 2003 09:03:00 PM new
The grandmother of a friend of mine had an extensive sterling silver spoon collection. Many were "place" identifiable but this one was in the collection and I can't find anything on it to identify it. I think it's really adorable so any help will be appreciated. I'm including a photo of the information on the back but it's so small, it's hard for me to read. All info will be greatly appreciated...Thanks!
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kiara
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posted on January 11, 2003 09:16:07 PM new
I lightened it somewhat.... he looks like a Bobby with a billy club and he is kind of cute. Sorry, I can't help you with the mark.
[ edited by kiara on Jan 11, 2003 09:16 PM ]
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blueyes29
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posted on January 11, 2003 09:33:29 PM new
Thanks for the help, Kiara...my photo editing process doesn't include lightening...and, as can be seen, the spoon is very tarnished...Appreciate the assistance. Hope someone will be able to tell me something about it. I think the little fella is a cutie. I think the writing would be easier to read if I cleaned the spoon up but hesitate to clean antique items...the old "Road Show" mantra..."You just cleaned away $1,000!" Cheers...
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sparkz
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posted on January 11, 2003 09:51:20 PM new
It's o.k. to clean silver. What I would worry about is the Bobbie. Is it enameled, or how is he attached? You sure don't want to damage him!
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
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tooltimes
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posted on January 11, 2003 10:32:23 PM new
I love a challenge and it took a while to find a somewhat similar item. 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=358&item=935494077
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blueyes29
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posted on January 11, 2003 10:46:47 PM new
WOW...Once again, I'm in awe of the skill and expertise of the AW folks! Thanks SOOOO much. I checked out the other auction, tooltimes, and the figure does look almost exactly the same...although the spoon is different. So, perhaps my spoon was also designed by Palmer Cox. Sparkz...is it REALLY OK to clean silver? The figure is enamel and is really in good condition. Appreciate you all taking the time and making the effort to help...THANKS!
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sparkz
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posted on January 11, 2003 11:08:23 PM new
Yeah, it's o.k. to clean silver. Silver tarnish is not considered patina. Even if it were, you can get it back in a week under the right conditions. Just one word of caution, if it's polished to a brilliant shine, it can be a challenge to photograph. Just be sure you don't rub too hard on the bobbie and don't use Tarnex.
The light at the end of the tunnel will turn out to be an oncoming train.
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blueyes29
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posted on January 11, 2003 11:10:30 PM new
Thanks, Sparkz...I'll get out my trusty cleaning materials and start polishing! Appreciate your help!
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fluffythewondercat
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posted on January 12, 2003 08:33:49 AM new
No! No! Don't clean it.
DO NOT CLEAN IT.
It is NOT okay to indiscriminately clean old sterling souvenir spoons; you could remove 90% of its value that way. In addition to the damage that incorrect cleaning can do, you run the risk of bending the handle or the bowl while polishing it.
DO NOT CLEAN IT.
No reason why you should believe me, except that I have sold over 5,000 souvenir spoons on eBay (one at a time). Never cleaned a single one.
The mark on the handle back looks like a Gorham Sterling (lion anchor Old English G) mark. Your photograph of the mark is upside down.
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fluffythewondercat
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posted on January 12, 2003 08:35:25 AM new
Oh, and part of the reason the mark is so hard to read is that the spoon has been polished too much. Marks get rubbed. Leave it alone.
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blueyes29
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posted on January 12, 2003 10:39:54 AM new
Thanks, "Fluffy", for the advice. I've always been reluctant to clean anything for fear of ruining it so your thoughts are more in line with what others have said. Thanks, too, for the "logo" info...Since the writing was so difficult to decipher, not surprised that my photo was upside down...I tried it both ways but couldn't read anything either way...typical...give me two choices and I make the wrong one! Thanks...and I guess I'll stash my cleaning materials away and bring them out only for items I'm keeping!
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fluffythewondercat
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posted on January 12, 2003 10:54:01 AM new
I'm just relieved you haven't cleaned it.
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kiara
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posted on January 12, 2003 10:58:52 AM new
I have mixed feelings about cleaning silver. As a buyer I feel that I take a chance if it isn't cleaned because I'm not certain if all the plating is there or if it's worn through. If it has been polished I am uncertain as to how the seller did it or what products were used.
It's different if you can actually see the piece in a shop rather than just a picture. By examining it close up I can usually tell the condition it's in and whether it's worth buying or not.
I think silver does look better when polished but I prefer to leave the patina in any of the ornate designs on it. If in doubt, let the new owner decide what to do.
There is very good info on polishing silver at this site that I got from a friend.
http://www.silversmithing.com/care.htm?
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sanmar
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posted on January 12, 2003 12:37:52 PM new
Here is an idea, Take the picture using a magnifying glass. If this is sterling, you won't have to worry about wearing off the plate. However I agree that souvenier pieces should not be cleaned. If this werew a set it would be different. I recommend using Cape Cod cloths to polish any silver. By the way silver does not have patina, only brass & bronze have patina. Silver has tarnish
[ edited by sanmar on Jan 12, 2003 06:43 PM ]
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ms24ktau
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posted on January 12, 2003 01:15:48 PM new
What are Cape Cod cloths??
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sanmar
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posted on January 12, 2003 06:40:32 PM new
They are silver cleaning cloths. The actual name is: "Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloth. They are made in Cape Cod MA, by the Cape Cod Polish C. Dennis, MA 02638. You can polish just about any kind of metal. I get mine at an antique store in town. They come packaged as singles or a can with 6 plus gloves & a drying cloth.
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fluffythewondercat
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posted on January 12, 2003 06:55:51 PM new
If this is sterling, you won't have to worry about wearing off the plate
See that picture of the mark up there?
Okay, now turn your monitor upside down.
See? "S T E R L I N G"
You're absolutely correct: no one will have to worry about wearing off the plate
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