#1174 The museum opened in 1912. In 1915 two towers were taken down due to the weight of the museum sinking. The dish shows them gone. Imports from Germany were reduced curtailed during the war. In 1916 the museum closed as Parliament moved in following the loss of Parliament’s Centre Block to fire. In 1920 the museum was reopened and selling souvenirs again. It was divided into two in 1927 but tourist souvenirs continued to name the building for some time. The best guess of the age of this dish is the 1920s by the image and the style of souvenir. It measures 11 x 7.5 x 2 cm.
#1450 Lustreware souvenir pitcher, Niagara Falls, made in Germany. The scene is from the American side looking towards the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The piece measures 11 x 11 x 7 cm. Made in the 1920s or 30s.
#1338 Souvenir or plate from the hotel. Made in the 1920s (judging by the backstamp). It is 21 cm across
#1404 BC teacup and saucer. Saucer measures 11.5 wide and the teacup is 7 x 5 x 5.5. It is believed to be mid century.
#1086 Boma Haida design boxes are resin reproductions of argillite art (argillite is a very rare black stone) that became vintage souvenirs. Boma is located in North Vancouver and all their work is made in Canada. They are still operating although this box has not been made in some time. They have been licensed to make souvenirs for the Canadian Museum of History. This box is made of resin and pewter. It is 10 x 13 cm.
#1092 Coasters from the southwest United States featuring Indigenous designs. These are souvenirs of Sedona. Unclear how old they are. They could be anywhere between very recent and a couple decades old. Very attractive in a mid century modern room decor. They are 10 cm x 10 cm.
#1087 Pillbox made in Italy. Uncertain age my guess is about 25 years. Hinged lid, gold tone, oval shape, removable plastic tray insert, scroll patterns around underneath and in lid. Easy to travel with. 2 x 3.5 x 2.75 cm.
#1115 This is a rare old souvenir of Chinatown from during a period when the Chinese Nationalists were trying to get as much support from the United States government as possible both for their war against Japan which ended in 1945 and the civil war between the Nationalists and the Communists which ended in 1949. The nationalists fled to Taiwan bringing the flag pictured here with them. An interesting piece of history. It measures 12 x 9.5 cm.
#1139 This is an old Anne of Green Gables souvenir from 70-80 years ago. It is made in England by Royal Winton. The property was purchased by the government of Canada as a old house but not furnished as per the Green Gables books until the 1970s. The early souvenirs from before the house was an official Green Gables tourism site are more valuable. I have another Green Gables souvenir dish as well. It measures 11.5 x 9 cm.
#1164 This is an old Anne of Green Gables souvenir from 70-80 years ago. It is made in England by Royal Winton. The property was purchased by the government of Canada as a old house but not furnished as per the Green Gables books until the 1970s. The early souvenirs from before the house was an official Green Gables tourism site are more valuable. I have another Green Gables souvenir dish as well. It measures 13 cm.
#1253 Black Creek Village is a village in Toronto set in the 1800s. People can visit and see how people lived then. It is similar to Upper Canada Village. They produce objects there in the way they were made in the 1800s and people can buy them in the giftshop. Naturally, they held major events for Centennial year. It measures 7.5 x 7 x 4 cm.
Vintage souvenirs and gifts
We think of souvenirs often as recent, often very inexpensive things sold on the site of tourist attractions. However, the practice of selling things to people caught up in the moment or at special places is not new. Some of the items I will place here are up to 100 years old.