Souvenir spoon 1895 - 1896

This souvenir spoon was made by Saunders & Shepherd, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. Souvenir spoons became popular during this time as symbols of travel and markers of cultural experience. The coat-of-arms at the top gives us clues as to this spoon's cultural significance. In heraldry, the lion symbolizes courage and nobility, while the crown is associated with royalty and sovereignty. These visual cues, combined with the motto, might reference Great Britain, a popular destination at the time. The twisted stem and highly polished bowl speak to the rise of manufacturing technologies and the growing middle class with access to consumer goods. Examining the spoon through historical records, advertisements, and travel logs can provide even deeper insight. This spoon isn't just a utensil; it's a window into the cultural values, economic forces, and social practices of a bygone era.