Souvenir spoon: University of Toronto

Probably 1902 or 1910

Measurements

4-1/8 in x 7/8 in x 5/8 in

Materials

Silver with a gold-washed bowl and enamel

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.

Accession Number

1971.1166

Inscription

“UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO.” is in the bowl.  “R / VII” is at the handle tip.  “STERLING” followed by a small unidentified mark is stamped into the back.

Provenance

Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner

Comments

The spoon shows a relief image of University College (completed in 1859), the primary building of the University of Toronto. The university was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King’s College.  The handle tip bears the royal monogram of King Edward VII (1841-1910) of Great Britain, who reigned from January 1901 until his death.  The eldest son of Victoria and Albert, he visited the United States and Canada, including Toronto and perhaps the university, in 1860.  The spoon may have been created to honor him at his coronation in 1902 or to memorialize him at his death in 1910.