Souvenir spoon: Shakespeare
Birmingham, England
1894
Maker
George Unite and Son (c. 1865-c. 1896)
Measurements
4-1/4 in x 1 in x 3/4 in
Materials
Silver and gold-wash bowl and handle tip (bust)
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.
Accession Number
1971.1056
Inscription
“Shakespeare’s House / Stratford-on-Avon” appears in the bowl below an image of the house. “DCW / 1894” is engraved on the outside bottom of the bowl. Below the engraving are four Birmingham silver hallmarks, including the 1894 date letter “u” and "GU." “RD152874” in relief within a rectangle is stamped above the engraved initials. “William Shakespeare” in raised lettering runs down the front of the handle.
Provenance
Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner
Comments
The souvenir spoon depicts Shakespeare's House, a popular tourist destination in the late 19th century. The spoon handle terminates in a bust of Shakespeare. The handle says “William Shakespeare” in raised lettering facing in the opposite direction as the house. Both the inside of the bowl and the bust at the handle tip are colored with a gold wash.
