Canadian Souvenir Enamel Sterling Silver Spoon, Chemainus B.C.
Flatware, Souvenir Spoon · Likely Breadner Co. Ltd. (BMCo) or a similar Canadian manufacturer such as P.W. Ellis or Birks. Breadner Co. (established in Ottawa, 1900) was a leading producer of enameled souvenir silver in Canada.
Pattern: Custom Souvenir/Commemorative Series
Type
Flatware, Souvenir Spoon
Maker
Likely Breadner Co. Ltd. (BMCo) or a similar Canadian manufacturer such as P.W. Ellis or Birks. Breadner Co. (established in Ottawa, 1900) was a leading producer of enameled souvenir silver in Canada.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with vitreous enamel (cloisonné) detailing. The red and white flag is achieved through hard enamel firing over the silver base.
Dimensions
Approximately 10-12 cm (4-4.5 inches) in length; weight estimated at 10-15 grams. This is a standard 'demitasse' size common for souvenir collectors.
Description
A charming sterling silver souvenir spoon dedicated to Chemainus, British Columbia. The piece features a vibrant enameled Canadian flag and a detailed character bust on the finial. The bowl is inscribed with the town name in a classic script, making it a quintessential piece of mid-to-late 20th-century Canadiana intended for the travel boom era.
Key Features
Enameled Canadian flag finial, bright-cut style bowl engraving, and compact demitasse proportions.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with vitreous enamel (cloisonné) detailing. The red and white flag is achieved through hard enamel firing over the silver base.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish silver finish with cold and hot enamel applications. The bowl features bright-cut engraving or machine-stamped lettering reading 'Chemainus B.C.' The finial depicts a Canadian flag (Maple Leaf) set within a stylized crest or shield motif, accompanied by a character figure (likely a lumberjack or local icon).
Hallmarks & Stamps
A vertical stamp is visible on the reverse of the handle or lower stem, likely featuring the word 'STERLING' and a maker's mark (such as 'BMCo' or a maple leaf icon). The clarity in the image suggests a standard American/Canadian 'Sterling' mark.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-stamped. The enamel is applied into recessed areas of the casting. The bowl and handle are likely struck from a single piece of silver sheet.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowl for scooping; decorative finial designed for display rather than ergonomic heavy use. Heat-sensitive enamel requires careful handling.
Handle & Grip Details
Straight stem with a decorative openwork finial. The finial features a flag motif and a bearded figure, reflecting the local history of Chemainus (a town known for murals and logging).
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade silver work; the enamel work is the primary highlight, showing good registration and color saturation.
Authentication Indicators
Weight and feel consistent with sterling silver; 'Sterling' stamp visible on the neck; high-quality vitreous enamel application without 'bleeding' into the silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canada, likely manufactured in Ontario or Quebec for distribution in British Columbia gift shops.
Era & Period
Modern Souvenir Era (late 20th Century). The use of the current Canadian Maple Leaf flag places the design after February 15, 1965.
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1990 based on the flag design, typography, and construction style.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th-century tradition of collecting 'spoons from everywhere' as physical evidence of travel and regional pride.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The enamel appears intact with no visible chips (leprosy). Light surface tarnish and minor scratches consistent with display or storage in a drawer.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD. Value is driven primarily by silver weight and the niche interest in British Columbia memorabilia.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap. Avoid silver dips which can damage or discolor the enamel. Use a soft silver polishing cloth (like Sunshine or Cape Cod) for the silver portions.
Similar Pieces
Birks Sterling souvenir spoons, BMCo enamel flag spoons, and various silver-plate souvenir versions (which lack the 'Sterling' mark).
Interesting Facts
Chemainus is famous globally for its giant outdoor murals, a project started in 1981 to revitalize the town after the local sawmill closed. Souvenirs from this era are highly collectible for those capturing 'The Little Town That Did.'