Heavy Watson "Missouri" Sterling Souvenir Fork

The genre is known as "souvenir spoons," but occasionally such commemorative items were produced in other forms. That is the case with this 6 3/8" long, probably youth, fork made by Watson. It is a heavy item, weighing 1.3 T. oz., and reflecting exceptional die work and finish. The word "Missouri" appears on a banner draped across the end of the handle. There are a remarkably high number of additional images portrayed on both sides of the remainder of the handle. These include the state seal, the first governor, a number of animals, three buildings, a horse drawn wagon, a train, and a steamboat, and even small details such as stalks of wheat, a cornucopia and a rose. The heel of the tine area is engraved "M.B.D." in Old English lettering. The condition is immaculate. Marks are the Watson Mechanics emblem and the word Sterling.