London Souvenir Enamel Crest Spoon
Flatware - Spoon · Unmarked souvenir manufacturer, typically produced in Birmingham or Sheffield for the tourist market.
Pattern: City of London Heraldic Crest Souvenir Collection
Type
Flatware - Spoon
Maker
Unmarked souvenir manufacturer, typically produced in Birmingham or Sheffield for the tourist market.
Material
Silver Plated Metal (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), with colored vitreous enamel detailing on the terminal.
Dimensions
Standard souvenir spoon size, approximately 11 to 12 cm (4.5 inches) in length, weighing roughly 15 to 25 grams.
Description
This charming souvenir spoon features the official coat of arms of the City of London in vivid red, white, and blue enamel atop an elaborately detailed cast terminal. The slender handle is decorated with a beaded border leading down to a classic, highly polished round spoon bowl. A quintessential piece of mid-century travel memorabilia, it captures the nostalgia of British tourism.
Key Features
Vitreously enameled City of London coat of arms finial, legible 'LONDON' scroll banner, and traditional beaded stem design.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated Metal (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver), with colored vitreous enamel detailing on the terminal.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish on the bowl with beaded stem detailing, topped by a cast and polychrome enameled heraldic shield of the City of London featuring the St. George's cross, sword, and the Latin motto 'Domine Dirige Nos' (Lord, direct us) above a blue scroll reading 'LONDON'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically stamped with minimal maker initials or 'EPNS' on the reverse of the stem, denoting silver plate rather than solid sterling silver.
Construction Details
Die-struck stem and bowl with a separately cast and soldered decorative terminal featuring recessed areas filled with vitreous enamel.
Functional Features
Miniature decorative or commemorative spoon, generally intended for display or collection rather than active dining use.
Handle & Grip Details
Straight, slender handle with beaded side borders and a prominent, ornate heraldic finial grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade die-stamping and hand-filled enameling typical of mid-century tourist merchandise, prioritizing visual appeal over heavy-gauge silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
Typical mass-produced souvenir construction, bright modern silver plating, and standard pin-style heraldic casting characteristic of mid-20th-century British touristware.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom, mass-produced for the British tourism industry to commemorate visits to London.
Era & Period
Mid to late 20th Century, a popular period for tourist souvenir collectables, particularly from the 1950s through the 1980s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1980 based on the manufacturing style, bright enamel finish, and common tourist memorabilia trends.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom in international tourism and the tradition of collecting small, portable tokens from historic cities and landmarks.
Condition Notes
Excellent overall vintage condition with minimal surface wear, bright mirror finish on the bowl, and fully intact enamel without visible chips or cracking.
Value Estimate
$5 to $15 USD, primarily valued as a sentimental collectible or tourist keepsake rather than precious metal bullion.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid harsh silver dips as they can damage or discolor the vitreous enamel inlay.
Similar Pieces
Other British city souvenir spoons such as those featuring Edinburgh, Stratford-upon-Avon, or royal commemorative teaspoons.
Interesting Facts
Souvenir spoons became an enormous collecting craze globally during the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, with collectors affectionately known as 'spooners' trading pieces from cities worldwide.