Souvenir spoon with finial in form of arms of City of London 1894 - 1895

This souvenir spoon, crafted by Saunders & Shepherd, features the arms of the City of London. At its finial, we observe heraldic symbols deeply rooted in history: dragons as guardians, a cross signifying faith, and a sword embodying power. The dragon, a recurring motif across cultures from East to West, often represents chaos or primordial power. Here, however, it is tamed, serving as a protector of the city. The sword, a symbol of authority and justice, transcends its martial origins to represent the principles upholding society. Consider its presence in ancient Roman iconography or medieval Christian art, where it signifies both divine judgment and righteous action. This symbol is not static; it evolves, echoing the collective anxieties and aspirations of each epoch. Such symbols exert a psychological pull, tapping into our collective memory. These images are a testament to our enduring need for order, protection, and the comforting illusion of permanence. Their presence on a souvenir spoon reminds us of how deeply intertwined our daily lives are with the past.