Beautiful antique sterling silver souvenir spoon commemorating the incorporation of Chicago on March 4th, 1837. This finely detailed collectible features the official City of Chicago seal in the bowl and an embossed portrait of a Native American chief in full feathered headdress on the handle finial. A wonderful piece of Chicago history and Americana.
Length: 3-7/8 inches
Weight: 8.4 grams
Material: Sterling silver
Era: Antique (likely late 19th or early 20th century)
Origin: Chicago commemorative
Bowl: Features the official seal of the City of Chicago with inscription "City of Chicago – Incorporated 4th March 1837" encircling the embossed city seal
Handle: Ornate scrollwork and decorative motifs along the stem with the word "CHICAGO" running vertically in raised lettering
Finial: Relief portrait of a Native American chief wearing traditional feathered headdress, finely detailed with period styling
Historical Significance:
This spoon commemorates Chicago's official incorporation as a city on March 4, 1837, when the settlement of just over 4,000 residents was granted its city charter. Souvenir spoons like this were extremely popular from the 1890s through the early 1920s, collected as travel mementos and treasured keepsakes.