Accession Number

2017.007.005.002

Description

Sterling silver teaspoon with a crest of a phoenix on top of a crown on the handle.

Narrative

This mid 19^th century English sterling silver teaspoon is one of three identical teaspoons donated to Craigdarroch Castle by a great great grandson of Robert and Joan Dunsmuir. Its connection to Guy Mortimer Audain and Sarah Byrd Dunsmuir (Mrs. Guy Audain) and their descendants makes it a significant addition to the collection that aid in presenting the Dunsmuir story and Craigdarroch’s period interiors.

History of Use

This teaspoon belonged to the donor's grandfather, Guy Mortimer Audain (1864-1940) and grandmother, Sarah Byrd Dunsmuir (1878-1925) (Mrs. Guy Audain). Sarah was the eldest daughter of Hon. James and Laura Dunsmuir and granddaughter of Joan Dunsmuir of Craigdarroch. It was probably acquired when new by one of Guy Audain’s Anglo-Irish ancestors and used in Ireland until the early 20^th Century when Guy Audain became Aide-de-Camp to Lieutenant Governor James Dunsmuir in 1906. The Audains used this and other silverware at the James and Laura Dunsmuir house named Burleith from 1906 to 1910, and then at their own house named Ellora, which still stands at 555 Foul Bay Road in Victoria.

Date

1844

Dimensions

5 x 2.5 x 15 cm

Material

Metal, silver, sterling

Country of Origin

United Kingdom