Durgin Heraldic Sterling Orange or Melon Spoon

Durgin's Heraldic nearly represents a compendium of heraldry. It incorporates a crown, a lion, a shield, a horse, and possibly a castle tower in a single assemblage. The end result is actually quite impressive and makes for a design that invites inspection. This 5 3/4" long and weighty item is variously identified as an orange, fruit, or melon spoon, and sometimes misidentified as a pap spoon. The bowl is a form favored by Durgin. It has a bulbous bowl with a slightly asymmetrical funnel tip. The backside of the bowl on this is stamped "PAT. MCH. 3. 91," and as the pattern is thought to date earlier, this may refer to the bowl form itself rather than the design. It is in very good condition, noting that there is visible polishing wear on the high spots. Other marks are the Durgin "D," Sterling, and "S.C.&L.Co.," for Boston's Shreve, Crump & Low, the retailer of this.