Dominick & Haff antique Sterling Silver serving spoon masks gold enamel (2171)

Antique Berry serving spoon. Sterling silver, gilding, enamel. Made by Dominick & Haff in the Renaissance pattern, issued in 1894. American silver. 

Measurements:

 Measures just under 8inches long and weighs 2.5oz.

Description:

Gilded sterling silver with repousse design and enamel detail.  Large scalloped bowl in an elongated oval, giving the appearance of a waterlily. Arching handle, widening towards the fluted fan shaped terminal. Scrolling foliage surrounds a wonderful masked head of Zeus, King of the Ancient Greek gods. At join of bowl and handle, is repousse raised silver framing a green enamel 'gem'.  A larger version of the bearded mask is on the back of the spoon, behind the bowl. The foliage is enriched with turquoise, yellow and green enameling.
Reserve on broad part of handle is unengraved. 

Marks and metal:

Back of handle with engraved STERLING and Dominick & Haff maker's mark. Further down is Patent mark D.94. 

Condition:

good with minor wear to enamel, commensurate with age and very light use. Please see 'photos and don't hesitate to ask questions. 

THE STORY:

Dominick and Haff was founded in the 1820's. They were known for outstanding quality and design and no superlatives are out of order when describing their flatware. They were later taken over by Reed & Barton.  Pieces are increasingly difficult to find and sought after by sophisticated collectors.
The company began in New York, but later moved to New Jersey and then to Taunton. 
Gilding of silver in berry spoons was necessary in order to protect the metal from the acidity of the fruit.