People collect souvenir spoons for all sorts of reasons. Some want to relive a special trip, admire a unique hallmark, or even invest in sterling silver pieces. And sometimes, it’s just because they make for quirky and memorable cutlery!
A small section of a collection of 396 fully hallmarked silver & enamel souvenir spoons to be auctioned later this year, estimated at £2,500 – £5,000
But let’s get down to it—are they actually worth anything? Sure, they’re often lovely to look at, but does that beauty translate into value? Souvenir spoons, especially antique sterling silver ones, appear at auctions quite often. So, what makes them so valuable?
What are Souvenir Spoons?
Silver has always been a popular metal for making utensils. Why? It’s durable, scratch-resistant, and more affordable than gold. That’s why you’ll see sterling silver spoons used in dining, while gold stays reserved for jewellery and higher-end investments.
These little treasures took off in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Netherlands and Germany. Travelling salesmen from America often collected them as keepsakes from their journeys. They would often come home with their suitcases packed full of souvenir spoons, each one a reminder of a famous landmark or natural wonder.
A large collection of silver-plated collecting and souvenir spoons sold for £15
Some believe the inception of souvenir spoons is owed the ceremonial tradition in the Middle Ages when babies were gifted antique silver spoons at baptisms. Over time, spoons became the perfect collectible to mark historical events, or even as a token from a brand. And if you were well-travelled, having these antique spoons on display said, “Look how worldly and adventurous I am!”
For tourist destinations, they became the ideal souvenir- small, stylish, and easy to produce. Plus, they were great for promoting local landmarks or features. These little treasures remained trendy until World War II, when resources shifted, and tastes changed.
Two Keswick School of Industrial Arts silver spoons, sold for £130
What Determines the Value of Souvenir Spoons?
Today, you might find a collection of 40+ late 18th-century souvenir spoons for just £10. But a set of 19th-century sterling silver set? That could easily sell for £50 or more. So, what makes some spoons more valuable than others? Let’s take a closer look:
Condition
Like most antique items, condition is key. Spoons with scratches, tarnish, or signs of neglect tend to lose value. Monograms can also lower the price, but that’s not always the case.
Age
While older spoons tend to be more valuable, it’s usually because they feature quality makers’ marks or intricate handcrafted designs. These factors can increase their price significantly.
Material
Not all souvenir spoons are created equal. Sterling silver ones are generally worth far more than silver-plated versions. For example, this collection of antique sterling silver items fetched £85 in a recent auction, while a similar silver-plated lot only sold for only £22.
Sterling silver lot on the left (£85), silver-plated lot on the right £22)
Size
Most souvenir spoons are teaspoon-sized, but some larger or more ornate ones with intricate designs tend to have a higher silver content, and with that comes a higher value.
So, are souvenir spoons worth anything? The short answer is yes, depending on factors like condition, material, and age. If you have well-kept antique sterling silver pieces, you might just be sitting on a little treasure.
A collection of British and Continental Silver cutlery including souvenir spoons, sold for £80
Looking to Sell Your Souvenir Spoons?
At Potteries Auctions, we take pride in offering quality silver pieces, both decorative and practical, from the 19th century to today. If you’re ready to sell your collection, we can help you achieve the best prices at auction.
Explore our past silver sales and book a free, no-obligation valuation today here. For more information, contact us at 01782 638100 or email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com.