Souvenir spoon with finial in form of John Bull 1894 - 1895

This silver souvenir spoon, crafted by Saunders & Shepherd in 1894-95, features a whimsical finial in the form of John Bull, a personification of England. The spoon's handle is adorned with a twisted design, adding to its ornate aesthetic. This piece, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies the popular Victorian practice of collecting souvenir spoons as mementos of travel or special events. The John Bull figure, a symbol of English national pride, reinforces the spoon's intended function as a reminder of a visit to England during the late 19th century.