Souvenir spoon with finial in form of Prince of Wales feathers 1895 - 1896

This is a souvenir spoon with the finial in the form of the Prince of Wales feathers, made by Saunders & Shepherd. Souvenir spoons became popular in the late 19th century, reflecting the rise of tourism and a growing middle class eager to display their travels and social standing. Crafted during a time of vast British imperial expansion, this spoon is more than just a memento; it’s a symbol of identity, power, and belonging. The Prince of Wales feathers, a heraldic badge of the heir apparent to the British throne, speaks to a very specific kind of British identity, one entwined with royalty and national pride. The act of collecting such items allowed individuals to participate in a narrative of Britishness, reinforcing their connection to the Empire. These objects often gloss over the complexities and erasures inherent in colonial history. The spoon becomes a quiet reminder of the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.