Photo Credit: silverperfect
Set of Twelve Wallace Nautical Sterling Spoons - Clam Shells
Buy It Now Price: $475 (price as of 2016; item no longer available)
Pros:
-This is an exquisite set of 12 sterling silver teaspoons in a unique, clam and nautical-themed design. Each spoon is 4.5 inches (11.4 centimeters) long.
-This set was produced in the late 19th or very early 20th century by the respected American company Wallace Silversmiths. It is fully hallmarked with the Wallace Silversmiths maker's mark and the word "sterling".
-Wallace Silversmiths was known for its high-quality, 3-dimensional silver patterns and this nautical themed set of teaspoons does not disappoint. Mussels, barnacles and clams are quite literally encrusted along the entire length of the utensil handle - both front and back. Even the bowl of the spoon is fashioned to look like half a clam shell. The overall effect is stunning.
-You won't find this clam pattern in any standard reference book on American silver manufacturers. This is a rare, unnamed pattern, produced only in very, very limited quantities. In fact, I've never seen this nautical-themed pattern previously. The only unifying characteristic I've discovered for these exceedingly rare American patterns is that they are invariably of the highest quality and finest craftsmanship.
Cons:
-The seller does not disclose the weight of the spoons. This is a minor quibble because this set is worth many times it bullion value. You are primarily buying the artistic execution here, not the silver. Having said that, I estimate that each teaspoon probably contains around 0.5 troy ounces (15.5 grams) of fine silver. This would give the entire set an estimated bullion value of about $90, based on $15 a troy ounce silver.
-The teaspoons are monogrammed on the inside of the bowl. Some silver collectors dislike monograms and avoid them when possible. However, I don't believe monograms detract from an item's desirability or impact its value significantly.
-The asking price of $475 is ever so slightly on the high side. Although this is an exceedingly beautiful and rare set of sterling silver teaspoons, I would still feel more comfortable with a price around $400. Of course, if you let this set slip through your fingers at $475, you could potentially spend a lifetime trying to track down another example.
