Mid-Century Souvenir Enameled Sterling Silver Spoon, Victoria B.C. Parliament Buildings
Flatware (Souvenir Spoon) · Likely a Canadian manufacturer such as Breadner Manufacturing Co. (BM Co) or P.W. Ellis & Co., known for high-quality enameled travel souvenirs.
Pattern: Enamel Shield Souvenir Series
Type
Flatware (Souvenir Spoon)
Maker
Likely a Canadian manufacturer such as Breadner Manufacturing Co. (BM Co) or P.W. Ellis & Co., known for high-quality enameled travel souvenirs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with vitreous champlevé enamel on the terminal.
Dimensions
Approximately 3.5 to 4 inches in length; estimated weight 8-12 grams.
Description
A charming mid-20th-century souvenir spoon crafted in sterling silver, featuring a vibrant enameled shield showcasing the iconic Parliament Buildings of Victoria, British Columbia. The stem is gracefully decorated with classic scrolling borders and leaf motifs typical of the souvenir flatware of the era.
Key Features
Cognizable sky-blue enamel work, 'VICTORIA B.C.' lettering, and the distinctive dome of the BC Parliament House.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with vitreous champlevé enamel on the terminal.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish on bowl, die-struck stem with a beaded border and acanthus leaf shoulder. The terminal features a light blue and white enameled shield depicting the British Columbia Parliament Buildings in Victoria, BC.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Likely stamped 'STERLING' and a maker's mark (e.g., 'BM CO' or 'ELLIS') on the reverse of the stem. The front shows 'VICTORIA B.C.' in the enamel area.
Construction Details
Die-struck from silver sheet with a machine-applied enamel finish on a recessed shield area.
Functional Features
Salt or demitasse size, though primarily intended as a collectible display piece.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a decorative shield-shaped terminal and scrolling finial.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine die-struck with hand-applied enamel highlights; a high-production but quality-controlled jewelry-grade item.
Authentication Indicators
The weight and feel suggest solid silver rather than plate; hallmark location is standard for souvenir spoons of this period. Enamel should be smooth and flush with the metal border.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canada, likely manufactured in Ottawa or Toronto for the BC tourist market.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1940-1960), a peak era for tourism-related silver collectibles in North America.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the font style and enamel coloring.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war rise of leisure travel and the 'grand tour' of the Pacific Northwest, serving as a memento of British Columbia's colonial and architectural heritage.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good condition. The silver shows minor surface scratches and light tarnish. The enamel appears intact without significant chips or 'flea bites'. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$15 - $30 USD depending on the clarity of the maker's mark and the condition of the enamel.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream or foam. Avoid silver 'dips' as the chemicals can damage or loosen the enamel. Store in a dry place to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Similar spoons were made by Wallace or Gorham for US cities, but Canadian travel spoons are distinct for their specific focus on Commonwealth architecture and heraldry.
Interesting Facts
Souvenir spoons were among the most popular collectibles from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, allowing travelers to document their voyages before the age of cheap mass-produced plastic trinkets.