This spoon belongs to the collection of silver and EPNS (electroplated nickel silver) tableware, trophies, napkin rings and spoons made and/or used in Australia between the 1890s and 1950s. Presented to the Museum in 2002, the collection was assembled in the 1980s by Dr G W Kenneth Cavill, an Emeritus Professor of the University of New South Wales. In his retirement, Professor Cavill has researched and published the histories of notable Australian silverware manufacturers of the first part of the 20th century. The collection is representative of their products.

Giftware, such as spoons and napkin rings, is particularly well represented. Spoons of Australian design, decorated with Australia's unique flora and fauna, were made from at least the 1890s. Designs celebrating important Australian events began with those promoting Australia's Federation in 1901. This enamelled spoon commemorates the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932. It was made in the workshop of the Melbourne jewellery firm of G & E Rodd. Established by George Rodd in 1919, G & E Rodd made such popular items as watch alberts, bracelets, rings, cuff links, tie pins, brooches, lockets, crosses and from the early 1930s also presentation medals and enamelled badges and spoons. By the late 1930s, G & E Rodd was the leading firm of manufacturing jewellers in Australia. In 1948 they became a public company, Rodd (Australia) Ltd. The firm's successors continued the business until 1985. (See: K.Cavill, 'The jewellery and silverware of G & E Rodd, and its successors', Australiana, 1987 (1), pp15-18; also K. Cavill, 'Commemorative and souvenir spoons of Australian interest, 1894-1994', Australiana, 1994 (4), pp 95-106.)

Made by G & E Rodd in Melbourne about 1932. For the history of the company refer to the article by Kenneth Cavill "The jewellery and silverware of G.& E.Rodd, and its sucessors', Australiana, pp15-18.

Part of the Prof. Kenneth Cavill collection.

Spoon, commemorative Sydney Harbour Bridge, electroplated silver (EPNS) / gilt / enamel, made by G & E Rodd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1930 -1935

A small, electroplated silver gilt spoon with a plain oval bowl, flat waisted stem and a large, partly enamelled finial in the form of a stylised rococo cartouche (oval frame with scrollwork) framing a view of a silver-gilt Sydney Harbour Bridge set against light-blue sky and dark-blue water. A small silver boat passes under the bridge on the horizon. The scene is surmounted with three dark-blue and white scrolls inscribed 'Sydney Harbour Bridge' just below a small coat-of-arms of New South Wales, the central shield being painted in red, blue and white. The coat-of-arms is flanked by two golden wheat ears. The word 'AUSTRALIA', set against blue ground, decorates the stem. Stamped at the back of stem: 'G&ERSPAPEX'.

Made: G and E Rodd; Melbourne, Victoria; 1930 - 1935

Inscription in enamel on finial: 'SYDNEY / HARBOUR BRIDGE'.

Inscription in enamel on stem: 'AUSTRALIA'.

Stamped into back of stem: 'G&ERSPAPEX'.

2002/78/17

1930 - 1935

24 mm

10 mm