"1852" Sterling Silver California Slug Souvenir Spoon Made with an Impression of an Octagonal United States Assay Office of Gold $50 in the Bowl. Nearly As Made.

139 mm. 26.72 grams, .925 fine, 0.80 troy ounces ASW. A large souvenir serving spoon with the image of an eagle-topped shield flanked by two male figures at the top of the stem, and the inscription SAN FRANCISCO vertically, near the bowl. Other than the incuse STERLING stamp, the back of the spoon is plain and void of decoration. The 50 mm bowl bears an exacting reproduction of a United States Assay Office of Gold $50 slug. The representation of the slug is very close to the K-14 type, but with KUNER F added below the eagle. The octagonal representation of the coin and back of the bowl are lightly gilt, presenting a pleasing contrast to the toned silver of the rest of the piece. Probably made circa 1915 in connection with the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.

Estimate: $1000