Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a pair of vintage Thermos brand folding travel spoons, designed to nest compactly inside the lids of insulated food jars. Made of durable, high-polish stainless steel, they feature a clever three-segment folding mechanism secured by metal rivets and sliding lock collars.
Story
Invented to solve the age-old problem of packing a full-sized utensil in a lunchbox, these clever folding spoons nested perfectly inside the plastic lids of vintage Thermos food jars, ready for a hot lunch anywhere.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1904 by German glassblowers, Thermos revolutionized how humanity eats and drinks on the go by commercializing vacuum flask technology. Over the 20th century, the brand became so synonymous with portable food storage that its name entered the English dictionary as a generic term, though they continue to produce highly engineered, iconic lunchware accessories.
Condition & Value
Both spoons are in excellent, highly reflective condition with minimal surface scratching or pocket wear. The folding hinges and locking collars remain tight and fully functional. Excellent condition like this ensures they are still perfectly usable today.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.