Antique Gorham Sterling Vermeil & Enamel Atlanta Souvenir Spoon – Georgia – Historically Significant Black Americana (c. 1895–1910)
$275.00
Offered is an authentic antique souvenir spoon by Gorham, crafted in solid sterling silver with gold vermeil and featuring original fired enamel decoration. This example is engraved “Atlanta” and dates to the late 19th to early 20th century, when souvenir spoons were widely produced to commemorate American cities.
The handle features an enameled figural portrait, while the bowl is decorated with a highly detailed enameled watermelon motif. Together, these elements reflect racially stereotyped imagery associated with the Jim Crow era. This spoon is offered strictly as a historical artifact, not as an endorsement of the imagery or its implications.
Such pieces are now collected within the field of Black Americana to document, study, and confront the material culture of American racial history.
Details
Maker: Gorham Manufacturing Company
Material: Solid sterling silver with gold vermeil
Decoration: Original fired enamel (not painted)
Length: 5-5/8 inches
Origin: Atlanta, Georgia
Era: Circa 1895–1910
Marks: Gorham / Sterling (as shown)
Condition
Enamel is excellent: vivid, glossy, and intact with no chips or cracks
Vermeil shows gentle, even wear consistent with age
No bends, repairs, or damage
Overall very fine antique condition
***Important Historical Context***
This spoon incorporates imagery that reflects racist stereotypes common in American commercial objects during the Jim Crow period. It is presented for educational, historical, and collecting purposes only. Buyers should be aware of the offensive and problematic nature of the imagery and purchase with full understanding of its historical context.
Collecting & Use
Appropriate for:
Advanced antique spoon collections
Black Americana collections
Museum or academic reference
Collectors of Gorham silver or Southern souvenir silver
Not intended for modern table use.
Shipping
Carefully packed
Fully insured
Ships promptly from a smoke-free environment
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OF $35 OR MORE!
Returns & Refunds:
I gladly accept returns within 30 days. Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is defective or incorrect. If the item is returned for personal preference (not due to damage or error), I will refund the purchase price minus the original shipping cost.
If your order included a free silver polish sample, please return it unopened with your item to receive a full refund. A $5 deduction will apply if the sample is not returned.
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-5 business days
Estimated shipping times
- North America : 3 - 5 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
Just contact me within: 21 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
I don't accept cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your return policy?
All merchandise is refundable within 30 days of shipping. Returns (due to no fault of As You Like It Silver Shop) on credit card orders of $500 and over are subject to a 15% restocking fee. Returns on cash or check orders of $500 or more are subject to a 10% restocking fee.