Elizabeth II Coronation Style Gilt Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon
Flatware (Souvenir/Demitasse Spoon) · Unknown manufacturer, likely a British or European silversmith specializing in commemorative giftware. Common makers for this style include Barker Ellis or Turner & Simpson, known for high-quality souvenir flatware.
Pattern: Royal Coronation Commemorative Pattern featuring the St. Edward's Crown finial. This design is inspired by the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Type
Flatware (Souvenir/Demitasse Spoon)
Maker
Unknown manufacturer, likely a British or European silversmith specializing in commemorative giftware. Common makers for this style include Barker Ellis or Turner & Simpson, known for high-quality souvenir flatware.
Material
Vermeil (Sterling Silver with gold plating). The base metal is likely .925 sterling silver, indicated by the warm golden hue and polished finish typical of 24k gold over silver.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 10-12 cm (4-4.5 inches). Estimated weight: 12-18 grams. This is typical for a demitasse or coffee spoon size.
Description
A charming and regally inspired souvenir spoon, this piece features a lustrous vermeil finish that radiates a rich golden glow. The highlight of the design is the beautifully realized St. Edward's Crown finial, which sits atop a sleek, minimalist stem. Perfect for a collector of Royal memorabilia or an enthusiast of mid-century British silver, this spoon represents the optimism and pageantry of the 1950s 'New Elizabethan' age.
Key Features
Ornate St. Edward’s Crown finial, full gold gilding (Vermeil), and the specific transition from a plain stem to a highly detailed figural terminal.
Material & Composition
Vermeil (Sterling Silver with gold plating). The base metal is likely .925 sterling silver, indicated by the warm golden hue and polished finish typical of 24k gold over silver.
Finish & Decoration
Gold-gilt mirror finish with a cast and chased architectural finial. The terminal represents the St. Edward’s Crown, featuring detailed arching, beading, and simulated ermine texture at the base.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are likely located on the back of the stem or inside the bowl. Based on style, one would expect a lion passant (sterling), an assay mark (e.g., anchor for Birmingham), and a date letter (likely 'D' or 'E' for the early 1950s).
Construction Details
The piece is composed of two parts: a die-struck bowl and stem joined to a lost-wax cast crown finial through a soldered bolster joint. The entire assembly was electroplated with gold after construction.
Functional Features
Functional demitasse bowl for stirring coffee or espresso. The crown finial serves primarily as a decorative counterweight and grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Tapered square-section stem leading to a cast crown finial. The finial is integral to the aesthetic and provides a tactile, albeit heavy, grip at the top of the spoon.
Craftsmanship Details
The quality of the finial casting suggests professional-grade workmanship. The solder joint at the bolster is cleanly executed, showing high attention to detail typical of post-war British manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
The crispness of the crown casting and the specific luster of the gilding over silver are consistent with 20th-century British boutique silversmithing. Verification of hallmarks on the reverse is required for definitive confirmation.
Origin & Manufacturing
Origin likely United Kingdom (London or Birmingham), where the tradition of commemorative royal silver is deeply rooted in the guild system.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / New Elizabethan Era (c. 1950-1960). This period saw a massive resurgence in English silver giftware surrounding the coronation of the current monarch.
Age Estimate
Circa 1953-1955. This coincides with the peak demand for coronation memorabilia following the 1953 ceremony.
Cultural Significance
Souvenir spoons represent a historical democratization of silver collecting, allowing middle-class families to own high-quality precious metal items that commemorated significant national and cultural touchstones.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent. The gilding appears intact with no visible 'silvering' or wear-through on high points of the crown. Minor surface micro-scratches consistent with light use or storage are present.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD as an individual piece. Value increases if part of a set of six or if accompanied by the original presentation box.
Care & Maintenance
Wash by hand in warm soapy water only. Do not use silver dips or abrasive polishes as they will strip the thin gold layer (Vermeil). Use a soft cotton cloth for light buffing.
Similar Pieces
Silver-plated versions of this spoon exist (EPNS), which lack the sterling hallmarks and have a lighter, more 'brassy' gold color. Replicas for the Diamond Jubilee (2012) also exist but feature different date letters and modern laser-marking.
Interesting Facts
Spoons of this type were often sold in velvet-lined boxes at prestige retailers like Harrods or Garrard to celebrate the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II.