Featured What on Earth would these Spoons be used for?

I found an interesting set of spoons today that I have not seen before. They were made in Birmingham England and have small balls on the ends. The weir thing about them is the tip of the bowls are FLAT. My guess dating (haven't had time to check yet) perhaps 1910's - 20's?
Anyone have an idea as to what the purpose is? Similar to these

 

Looks like bakelite and chrome plated. So I would date them more in the late 30s early 40s.

You don't give a size. I'm going to guess some sort of bar spoon for a special drink.

 

Maybe scooping out that last bit of..... (fill in the blank) out of the bottom of the glass.

Agree, the little balls look like bakelite. Kinda cool! Hopefully someone will recognize the style.

 

Tis is a pic I borrowed. Mine are in a leatherette box, marked, EPNS Made in England. They are about 5 inches long. I was guessing perhaps "Old Fashion" Spoons for smashing sugar cubes or perhaps something Mulled or Muddled. They are a set of 12.

 

The bowls are what are perplexing me - First thought was perhaps berry - but no most of those are shell shaped, then it came to me that the flat portion was either to "smash" something or to separate something. Many of the things I purchased at this estate were Victorian and earlier, but these have me stumped.

 

There are quite a few listed now as muddler spoons.

 

That's as good a guess as any. I'd be thinking some kind of bar spoon too. Maybe for a julep cup?

 

They are a '50s, '60s thing. Be happy if you get $5.00 for them.

 

Here is my set

 

A little more research done and YES they are for cocktails, NO they are not 1950's, Pre Depression " MARTINI COCKTAIL BAKELITE SPOONS SET ENGLAND SOLD BY ABERCROMBIE & FITCH!!, RED BAKELITE TOPS, EACH SPOON IS ABOUT 4 1/2" LONG , HALLMARK ON EACH SPOON E.P.N.S. MADE IN ENGLAND." Quoted from a reliable source on Barware. I should have known - I was a bartender for more than 30 years! LOL!

 

The metal from your last picture does look more like silver plate than the first one. Could just be the angle of the pictures.

The bakelite which is the selling point on these, appears to be compromised - thus lowering the value somewhat. I don't know if there is a way to polish bakelite, even so I don't think you will be able to remove the crazing.

Interesting set.

 

I'm an old bartender too, not really sure why a barware expert would call these 'Martini spoons' (what would you muddle in a Martini?) - they're cocktail spoons for Old Fashioneds, have a 1930s ad for them somewhere...

~Cheryl

 

I saw a Google snippet view that these spoons were advertised in a 1939 issue of Town and Country. They were called " Old Fashioned Cherry Spoons...silver plated spoons flattened at bottom for crushing sugar. Red cherry handle". I'd love to see this ad. It was Abercrobie & Fitch ad. I have four of these spoons.

 

Hi Karen,
Welcome BACK!!!! We have needed your expertise several times. You helped me so many times on the old eBay board. I have seen your posts a few times here. Please do not stay away for so long. I love seeing your brain "picked".
greg

 

Greg - The response from Karen was made back in August 2014.

 

Welcome to Antiquers, Queenofsienna! I'm a silver junkie and have visited your site several times - well researched and well written as well...

~Cheryl

 

Sorry, folks, this ad was in a 1939 New Yorker magazine, not Town and Country.

 

Thanks, Cheryl!

 

Hi Peggy,
These "throw backs" to old posts are driving me crazy. Sorry about the mistake.
greg

 

Yes, instead of bumping up a post from years ago, I wish the person would just message the OP.