Silverplate tea spoon with German Insigna

[ceevee]

I have an old German tea spoon (or perhaps a demitasse spoon) with the infamous German insignia on it.  My grandparent gave it to me but never mentioned how it came into her possession.  Since some members of my extended family are Jewish I, of course, do not wish to keep it.  Can anyone speculate on its worth or where and/or how I can get rid of it?

[ironlord1963]

Can we get pics of the item.  This will help in determining value.

[waywardangler]

Pre-WWII, the infamous Nazi symbol was actually a commonly used symbol by different cultures, especially by Native Americans.  Their symbol was called a 'whirling' or 'rolling log'. I think the legs of the Indian symbol may actually 'rotate' a different direction.  After the Nazis, it was out of favor due to the terrible connotation associated with it.  I would make sure this is actually a 'German' spoon and not a German made spoon with a pre-Nazi symbol on it.  If it is a Native American item it may be nice to keep.  Pictures of it, as previously mentioned, would be a great help.

[talesofthesevenseas]

It's also a common symbol in old Chinese art. Photos of the spoon would help, including the makers info on the back of the spoon.

It's understandable not to want to keep it. But it's also important to remember terrible times in history so that the stories are retold and it doesn't happen again if it is a relic of Nazi Germany. I guess then you have to consider if it is better to preserve a dark piece of history or you could always choose to sell it for its silver content, or have it melted down and made into something else, like a ring to remember your Grandparents. I for one prefer to preserved things like this, but that's me. I think since it came from your grandparents that has to be a very personal decision.

Another thought would be to donate it to a museum like the Holocaust Museum, where you know it would be viewed and studied in the proper context. That would be my recommendation.

[KC]

Ceevee, would you please post a pic of this or try your hardest to draw it or even try a rubbing of it.

It may not necessarily be the Nazi symbol....