Heavy Watson Orange Citrus Spoon with Decorated Bowl

Watson produced a series of fruit motif designs in the early 1900's, of which this orange pattern is one of the most expressive, and clearly in the direction of art nouveau. It is cast, set in very high relief, precisely detailed, and features three very lush-looking fruit set on the handle. This design frequently shows up in a citrus spoon form, as this example is, and understandably so given its motif, but this piece is unusual in that the flanged rim bowl is also decorated. Most examples have plain bowls. The process used appears to have been acid etching, leaving carefully crafted leaves and stems, and even an "orange peel" surface to the fruit. The item is 6 1/4" long and weighs a robust 1.2 oz. The condition is flawless. Marks are the Watson (Mechanics) flag emblem, and Sterling.