Canadian First Nations Style Totem Pole Silver Souvenir Figurine
Decorative Object / Souvenir Figurine · Unknown Canadian regional producer; likely a mid-tier souvenir manufacturer or tourist-directed workshop. Common manufacturers of such items include B.M. Co. (Benedict-Proctor) or various British-Canadian small-scale foundries.
Pattern: Generic Totem Pole Motif; Northwest Coast Indigenous Stylization
Type
Decorative Object / Souvenir Figurine
Maker
Unknown Canadian regional producer; likely a mid-tier souvenir manufacturer or tourist-directed workshop. Common manufacturers of such items include B.M. Co. (Benedict-Proctor) or various British-Canadian small-scale foundries.
Material
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS/Nickel Silver) or Pewter-based alloy; possibly low-grade 800 silver. The matte grey patina and surface pits are characteristic of silver-plated white metal or Britannia metal.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 10-12 cm (4-5 inches); estimated weight 80-150 grams depending on whether the core is solid or hollow-cast.
Description
A classic Canadian souvenir figurine depicting a stylized totem pole. The piece features a prominent Thunderbird with outstretched wings at the apex, atop a stack of grotesque masks typical of tourist-grade Haida or Tlingit interpretations. The piece serves as a cultural artifact of 20th-century Canadian tourism, representing a period when Indigenous motifs were widely adopted for national branding.
Key Features
Outstretched Thunderbird wings, stack of three stylistic masks, circular pedestal base with 'CANADA' text, and deep oxidation for a 'vintage' look.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS/Nickel Silver) or Pewter-based alloy; possibly low-grade 800 silver. The matte grey patina and surface pits are characteristic of silver-plated white metal or Britannia metal.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized matte finish with antiqued highlights to emphasize recessed areas. Features cast relief representations of Northwest Coast iconography including a Thunderbird/Eagle at the top and secondary masks below.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Embossed 'CANADA' on the base front. Maker’s marks are likely located on the underside of the base, often showing 'STIRLING' (if sterling) or 'E.P.N.S' / 'PEWTER' / 'B.M. Co.' hallmark stamps.
Construction Details
Industrial centrifugal or sand casting; secondary soldering likely used to attach the wings to the main post. Machine-finished base with stamped or molded lettering.
Functional Features
Stationary decorative object; weighted base for stability as a paperweight or display item.
Handle & Grip Details
None; solid column construction from base to crest.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade casting. The detail is slightly soft (not crisp), suggesting a multi-generational mold. Functional soldering of wings is hidden by the oxidation level.
Authentication Indicators
The 'CANADA' stamp is of a style typical of mid-century mass-manufactured giftware. The casting graininess indicates a commercial production rather than a hand-wrought artist piece.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canada; mass-produced in Ontario or BC for the national giftware market. Follows Westernized interpretations of Indigenous Northwest Coast art styles.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1940-1970); Post-war tourist boom era in Canadian souvenir production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960. The font of the 'CANADA' stamp and the oxidation pattern suggest a vintage mid-century origin.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Tourist Art' movement where Indigenous iconography was commercialized for the settler-tourist market. While not an authentic Indigenous carving, it reflects mid-century Canadian identity-building.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Visible surface oxidation (tarnish), moderate pitting in the casting, and minor wear on the wing tips. No structural cracks or major dents visible.
Value Estimate
$15 - $45 USD. Value is driven by novelty and souvenir collectors rather than metal weight, unless hallmarks indicate solid .925 sterling silver.
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with warm soapy water. If silver-plated, avoid abrasive cleaners which may remove the thin silver layer. Use a soft silver cloth for light polishing only on high points.
Similar Pieces
B.M. Co. Sterling Totem Spoons, pewter miniature replicas, and West Coast argillite carvings (the latter being the authentic, non-metal inspiration).
Interesting Facts
These items were extremely popular in railway station gift shops and hotel lobbies during the 1950s. They are often found in various sizes, with the larger ones occasionally serving as cocktail spoons or bottle openers.