Mystery Silver Spoon

[ModernMiner]

I found this spoon today at an old farm. A very unique small silver spoon with what looks like a small lion head on the front, and a monkey head on the back. At least I think it's a lion and monkey. Some folks at work thought it was a devil, not a monkey.
It is stamped "800" on the inside cupped portion of the spoon.
I'm pretty sure most of the handle is missing.I thought it looked handmade, but the "800" stamp threw me off.
Some folks I showed it to said it may be a SNUFF or medicine spoon?
It looks to be handmade and very old to me.
Any ideas on this piece?
Snuff spoon? Baby spoon? Other?
What might the "800" stamp mean?
Thanks,
MM

 

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[Bluezman]

The 800 may refer to a measurement in mass like 800 milligrams. Just a guess.

Bluezman

 

[ModernMiner]

Wow nice find MM ! I am thinking baby spoon . Hoss

Hoss,
That's what I thought too. Some folks said the bowl of the spoon was too deep to be a baby spoon. It looks handmade to me. Lucky baby. Must have been born with a silver spoon up it's XXXX?
-MM-

 

[ltngbolt]

Nice Find!
That may be a caddy spoon.........some of them a "very" collectible

 

[Montana Jim]

Of course you know that "925" is sterling silver... the 800 is a lesser, and often used, and I mean OFTEN used silver in lesser pieces, like sovenier spoons. Also often used in daily-used flatwear.

Also known as German Silver - From Wiki: "German silver (not to be confused with nickel silver, which is also referred to by this same term) are several silver standards used in Germany. However, the most common standard for silverware and decorative silver objects is the 800 standard (80% pure silver). Hence, when the term German silver is used, it is usually referred to as the 800 standard. Another silver standard in use is the 900 standard. German silver objects are usually marked with an "800" or "900" to show the standard to which they are made. The UK Assay offices also recognise the 80% silver content which is legally represented by the 800 stamp.

For industrial uses, for example in electronics, alloys such as copper-silver, CuAg, are favored, which contains 72% silver and 28% copper and is known for its thermal conductivity."

 

[Copperhead]

Neat find MM....doesn't look like any baby spoon I've ever seen..2 in. .......what's a caddy spoon?

 

[ModernMiner]

Of course you know that "925" is sterling silver... the 800 is a lesser, and often used, and I mean OFTEN used silver in lesser pieces, like sovenier spoons. Also often used in daily-used flatwear.

Also known as German Silver - From Wiki: "German silver (not to be confused with nickel silver, which is also referred to by this same term) are several silver standards used in Germany. However, the most common standard for silverware and decorative silver objects is the 800 standard (80% pure silver). Hence, when the term German silver is used, it is usually referred to as the 800 standard. Another silver standard in use is the 900 standard. German silver objects are usually marked with an "800" or "900" to show the standard to which they are made. The UK Assay offices also recognise the 80% silver content which is legally represented by the 800 stamp.

For industrial uses, for example in electronics, alloys such as copper-silver, CuAg, are favored, which contains 72% silver and 28% copper and is known for its thermal conductivity."

Jim,
You da' Man. Thanks for that info. So do I have an 80% silver monkey or devil spoon?
Thanks,
MM

 

[ltngbolt]

Copperhead.....a caddy spoon was used to measure tea. It was most popular in the 1800s. They were often kept in a box which accounts for the short handle. This one has the look of a handmade item which IMHO would make it early.....In any event I think it's a great find and would love to know the history of it.

 

[ModernMiner]

Copperhead.....a caddy spoon was used to measure tea. It was most popular in the 1800s. They were often kept in a box which accounts for the short handle. This one has the look of a handmade item which IMHO would make it early.....In any event I think it's a great find and would love to know the history of it.

Ltngbolt,
Very neat. Thanks for the info. I hope it can be ID'd.
-MM-

 

[Copperhead]

Ltngbolt,
Very neat. Thanks for the info. I hope it can be ID'd.
-MM-

What he said...

 

[Montana Jim]

Hey again Doug - do you think you found the whole spoon, meaning, do you think it's broken?

Or: http://www.schredds.com/caddy.htm

 

[piggman1]

Hey again Doug - do you think you found the whole spoon, meaning, do you think it's broken?

Or: http://www.schredds.com/caddy.htm

I think you have a point Jim, looks complete to me from the pics I've seen.

 

[WHEELS1973]

it belongs to Ricky Shroeder you should return it. Sorry i cant resist a bad joke any of you remember that show (Silver Spoons)

 

[Rob66]

Cool spoon.....a lot of fine art. I like the rabbit and face on it.I think(quessing)it is referring to Alice in wonderland.?Nice find no less.

 

[ModernMiner]

Hey again Doug - do you think you found the whole spoon, meaning, do you think it's broken?

Or: http://www.schredds.com/caddy.htm

Jim,
I think the top part of the handle is missing. I can see where the break mark was. Probably why they threw it away?
Thanks,
MM