British Coronation Souvenir Silver Teaspoons, Queen Elizabeth II
Flatware - Souvenir Teaspoons · Unknown English silversmith or souvenir manufacturer. Typical makers for this type include Elkington & Co., Mappin & Webb, or Sheffield-based workshops specializing in commemorative items.
Pattern: Commemorative Coronation Pattern, specifically for Queen Elizabeth II
Type
Flatware - Souvenir Teaspoons
Maker
Unknown English silversmith or souvenir manufacturer. Typical makers for this type include Elkington & Co., Mappin & Webb, or Sheffield-based workshops specializing in commemorative items.
Material
Silver Plated (likely EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) or possibly .925 Sterling Silver. The appearance of the heavy yellow-brown oxidation and surface scratches suggests a plated base metal.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size; approximately 11-13 cm (4.5-5 inches) in length. Estimated weight: 15-25 grams per spoon.
Description
A pair of mid-20th century British commemorative spoons. These items were widely collected by the public to celebrate the accession of Queen Elizabeth II. They feature classic silhouettes with decorative terminals holding royal iconography, serving as both functional tableware and historical keepsakes of the New Elizabethan age.
Key Features
Commemorative finials with royal imagery; specific bowl shapes (one pointed, one shouldered); typical mid-century British silver manufacturing marks.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (likely EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver) or possibly .925 Sterling Silver. The appearance of the heavy yellow-brown oxidation and surface scratches suggests a plated base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with cast relief medallions. The handles feature a circular seal depicting the monarch and commemorative text. One spoon features a distinct notched/shouldered bowl design, typical of mid-century aesthetics.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in the photo; likely stamped on the reverse with 'EPNS' or a maker's mark and 'Sterling' if solid. British souvenir spoons often carry city assay marks (anchor for Birmingham or rose for Sheffield).
Construction Details
Machine-stamped handles with cast or die-struck commemorative finials. Likely mass-produced using industrial silver-plating or stamping techniques common in the mid-20th century.
Functional Features
Standard utility spoons for tea service; one features a decorative shoulder at the base of the bowl for structural reinforcement and visual style.
Handle & Grip Details
Flat, tapered stems with relief-decorated terminals (finials) depicting the royal crest or portrait. Integrated solid construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial production. The casting of the medallions shows decent detail, but they are clearly industrial products rather than hand-wrought artisan pieces.
Authentication Indicators
The design of the medallion is consistent with 1953 coronation ephemera. The wear patterns are consistent with electroplated items of this age.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom, likely Birmingham or Sheffield. These cities were the centers of the British silver and plating trades during the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Mid-Century / New Elizabethan Era (c. 1953). Reflects the boom in souvenir production surrounding the 1953 coronation.
Age Estimate
Circa 1953, produced to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war British tradition of 'Royal Commemoratives,' which allowed middle-class families to own a 'piece of history' and show nationalistic pride through everyday objects.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair condition. Significant tarnish (sulfide deposits) and surface oxidation are present. There are visible light scratches and 'plate wear' where the base metal may be showing through the silver layer. Grade: Fair/Good.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD for the pair. If hallmarked as Sterling, the value would increase to $30 - $50 based on silver weight and collector interest.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver foam or liquid polish (e.g., Wright's Silver Cream). Do not use abrasive cloths as they will strip the thin silver plating. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Silver commemorative spoons for George VI (1937) or Silver Jubilee spoons (1977). Sterling versions carry higher value than the common EPNS versions seen here.
Interesting Facts
The 1953 coronation sparked a global obsession with 'Elizabethan' souvenirs, making these among the most common but beloved types of silver-plated collectibles found in the UK and Commonwealth countries today.