Canadian Souvenir Enamel Sterling Silver Demitasse Spoon
Flatware (Souvenir Spoon) · Likely manufactured by a Canadian silversmithing firm such as Breadner Manufacturing Co. (BMCo) or Roden Bros., companies well-known for high-quality enamel souvenir ware during the 20th century.
Pattern: Commemorative Souvenir Series - Canadian Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) / Horse and Mountie Theme.
Type
Flatware (Souvenir Spoon)
Maker
Likely manufactured by a Canadian silversmithing firm such as Breadner Manufacturing Co. (BMCo) or Roden Bros., companies well-known for high-quality enamel souvenir ware during the 20th century.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) with vitreous enamel (cloisonné/champlevé) inlays on the finial. The bowl and handle appear to be silver, though often these items are silver-plated unless stamped 'Sterling'.
Dimensions
Approximately 3.5 to 4 inches (9-10 cm) in length. Weight is typically light, roughly 10-15 grams.
Description
This charming souvenir spoon represents a quintessential piece of Canadiana. Featuring the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer on horseback, the enamel work utilizes vibrant colors to appeal to travelers. The delicate size and decorative scrollwork at the neck of the handle reflect an era when high-quality small silver items were popular gifts.
Key Features
The hand-painted or transfer-printed enamel scene, the 'Canada' script, and the pierced scrollwork decoration on the shoulder of the spoon handle.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) with vitreous enamel (cloisonné/champlevé) inlays on the finial. The bowl and handle appear to be silver, though often these items are silver-plated unless stamped 'Sterling'.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with a multi-colored enamel pictorial finial. The finial features a scenic depiction of a Mountie on a horse with the text 'Canada'. The handle neck features scrollwork filigree or stamped floral piercing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expected marks on the reverse of the handle or bowl would include 'STERLING', 'BMCo' (in a triangle), or 'RODEN'. The absence of a hallmark would indicate silver plate (EPNS).
Construction Details
Die-struck handle and bowl with an applied enamel disc finial. The enamel is fired glass powder fused to the metal at high temperatures.
Functional Features
Small demitasse-sized bowl intended for stirring coffee or espresso; primarily designed as a decorative collectible rather than for daily utility.
Handle & Grip Details
Slender stem leading to an oval-shaped pictorial finial. The finial is the primary grip and decorative focal point.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine die-struck with hand-applied enamel. The piercing on the handle indicates a higher-tier production compared to flat, solid-cast cheap imitations.
Authentication Indicators
Authentication would rely on finding the 'Sterling' mark on the reverse. The style of the enamel 'rimming' and the clarity of the 'Canada' text are typical of authentic BMCo pieces.
Origin & Manufacturing
Originating in Canada. Firms like Breadner (Ottawa) and Roden (Toronto) dominated this market using industrial die-striking techniques.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1940-1960). This period saw a peak in automotive the 'souvenir' culture where tourists collected spoons from every stop.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The typography and specific depiction of the mountie are consistent with mid-century Canadian tourism gifts.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-century rise of tourism and the 'grand tour' of the North American landscape, where silver spoons served as affordable status symbols of a traveler's journey.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Good to Very Good condition. There is visible tarnish on the silver and slight yellowing/wear on the enamel edges. The plastic case has likely protected the structural integrity.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD depending on the silver content. If stamped 'Sterling', it sits at the higher end; if silver-plate, it is closer to $5-$10.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a very soft cloth and mild silver polish. Avoid immersion in water as it can seep under the enamel and cause lifting (delamination) over time. Store in a dry, acid-free environment.
Similar Pieces
Similar spoons by BMCo or Birks (Canada); competitor versions might use different scenes like the Maple Leaf, Niagara Falls, or provincial crests.
Interesting Facts
Souvenir spoons became a global craze starting in the late 19th century; the first American souvenir spoon was the 'Salem Witch' spoon created in 1890. Canadian spoons often focused on indigenous art, wildlife, and the RCMP.