Carlingford B.C. Souvenir Enamel Shield Teaspoon
Flatware (Teaspoon / Souvenir Spoon) · Unknown commercial maker of British or Commonwealth souvenir silverware, often produced by specialized manufacturing silversmiths such as and related to companies producing tourist and commemorative flatware throughout the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Tourist / Souvenir Spoon Collection featuring the enamel heraldic shield or location badge of Carlingford (Co. Louth, Ireland, or potentially an association with Carlingford, British Columbia if applicable, though typically associated with Irish topographical tourism).
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon / Souvenir Spoon)
Maker
Unknown commercial maker of British or Commonwealth souvenir silverware, often produced by specialized manufacturing silversmiths such as and related to companies producing tourist and commemorative flatware throughout the mid-20th century.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), featuring vitreous enamel in white, yellow, black, and red on the terminal finial.
Dimensions
Standard souvenir teaspoon size, approximately 4.5 to 5 inches (11.5 to 12.7 cm) in length, with an estimated weight of 15 to 25 grams.
Description
An appealing and collectible souvenir teaspoon featuring a striking enameled heraldic shield at the terminal. The spoon displays a heavily oxidized and natural dark patina across its silver-plated bowl and stem, contrasting with the vibrant white and yellow vitreous enamel of the Carlingford badge. The slender handle is detailed with embossed beading and scroll accents near the junction of the bowl. Such pieces were immensely popular as travel mementos and display items during the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Vibrant multi-colored vitreous enamel souvenir shield terminal, embossed decorative stem detailing, and a classic mid-century tourist spoon form.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), featuring vitreous enamel in white, yellow, black, and red on the terminal finial.
Finish & Decoration
Heavily oxidized/tarnished silver-plate finish with standard mirror polish beneath the patina. The terminal is decorated with a brightly colored, kiln-fired vitreous enamel shield bearing local heraldry or imagery with the text 'CARLINGFORD B.C.' (or similar location reference). The stem has pressed beaded or fluted detailing leading down to the bowl.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Standard maker stamps or EPNS (Electro Plated Nickel Silver) marks are typically located on the reverse of the spoon stem, though obscured by tarnish in the current visual state.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured, die-struck stem and bowl with a separately affixed or integrated enamel finial element. Common mass-production technique for souvenir spoons from the mid-20th century tourism boom.
Functional Features
Individual flatware piece intended primarily as a decorative or commemorative souvenir rather than for heavy everyday dining use.
Handle & Grip Details
Stiff metal handle, flattened and embossed with decorative line work and bead borders, terminating in a prominent enameled heraldic shield display at the top.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial tourist-grade craftsmanship utilizing die-stamping for the metal elements and hand-applied or machine-assisted kiln-fired vitreous enamel for the decorative shield.
Authentication Indicators
Standard weight, construction methods, and materials typical of mid-century tourist and souvenir flatware. The enameled shield is securely seated, and the oxidation is consistent with aged base-metal silver plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Great Britain or a Commonwealth nation for the tourist trade, commemorating a specific geographic location.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1930s-1970s), a period when enamel souvenir spoons were widely collected by travelers across the UK, Ireland, and the British Commonwealth.
Age Estimate
Mid-20th century, circa 1950s based on the style of enameling and the manufacturing technique common to tourist teaspoons of that era.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-century tradition of tourism, local pride, and commemorative collecting, serving as tangible memory markers for travelers exploring historic towns and regions.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good condition. The spoon exhibits heavy, dark natural tarnish and sulfide oxidation across the bowl and handle, which is common for unpolished silver-plate exposed to air over decades. The vitreous enamel on the terminal appears intact with good color retention. No major structural dents or repairs visible.
Value Estimate
Low to moderate collector value, typically ranging from $5 to $20 USD depending on the specific scarcity of the location commemorated and the overall condition of the enamel.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a mild liquid dish soap and warm water using a soft cloth. If tarnish removal is desired, use a gentle silver-plated polishing cream like Wright's Silver Cream, taking care not to scrub aggressively around the enamel inlay.
Similar Pieces
Various British, Irish, and Canadian tourist enamel shield teaspoons produced by manufacturers such as Toye & Co or similar regalia and souvenir makers.
Interesting Facts
Souvenir spoon collecting, sometimes known as 'spoon collecting' or deltiology's parallel in flatware, became a massive craze in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries as global tourism expanded, allowing travelers to document their journeys through miniature heraldic art.