Sterling Silver Rice Instititute Spoon, Help

Love it

Like it

Peterdrury loves this.

PadmeLupin likes this.

Add to collection

Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate

Posted 13 years ago

brewser
(1 item)

Hi, I would like to know any info about this spoon. Is it part of a set or collection? I got it for my Dad and he wants to melt it down for the silver, but I don't want to do that until I know that it's not more important than what it weighs. Any info would help. Thanks, EB

Comments

kerry10456, 13 years ago
This is a "collector" spoon, these and other like it were made up for visitors and the likes. Some were give-aways and others were purchased item as a token of you being there. I have several for other places such as old radio station, chevrolet dealer, and Omaha state capital. Nice and neat, thanks for sharing.
brewser, 13 years ago
Is it the Rice University here in Houston and how old can it be? If u have any links or websites to go to, I'd surely appreciate it. And do you think it's worth more as a spoon or melted down for the silver? It weighs about 280 grains.
scottvez, 13 years ago
Known as Rice Institute 1891- 1960:

http://www.explore.rice.edu/explore/a_brief_rice_history.asp

Based on the raised lettering and building in the bowl (vice etched), I would think that this a later item.

Scott
kerry10456, 13 years ago
If the spoon weight is 280 grains the melt value is $17.54, and you know this dates no newer than 1960, so with that in mind collector value would exceed that dollar amount. Have checked to see if any other spoons are listed in any other forum, didn't find any. Souvenir spoons are highly collectable, the rarer the better. here a link to see some related spoons and what they brought.
http://www.souvenirspoons.com/spoons.html
scottvez, 13 years ago
I think that your in the same ballpark either way.

Here is one that sold ($20) with a similar handle motif, but it appears to be earlier than yours.:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HOUSTON-TX-STERLING-COLLECTOR-SPOON-INTERIOR-RICE-WAREHOUSE-RARE-/180730299056?pt=Antiques_Silver&hash=item2a145d82b0

Scott
brewser, 13 years ago
thanks for all the info. Don't think it will be being melted down now. Glad to get some good feedback, it definitely won't be the last time I come here and get/give help.
Peterdrury, 8 years ago
i have a similar one. mine has a corncob on the top. ill put mine on this site soon.
very nice.

Want to post a comment?

Create an account or login in order to post a comment.

Sterling Silver Rice Instititute Spoon, Help In Silver > Silver Spoons > Show & Tell.
PadmeLupin's likes13 of 14