DUTCH SOLID SILVER ALKMAAR SOUVENIR SPOON C1906-1953

This is a lovely Dutch solid silver souvenir spoon. At the top of the spoon is a windmill with sails that rotate.

The handle is of typical Dutch form with a twisted rope effect with holes in. At the bottom of the handle is a bust and they are possibly wearing the traditional Dutch cap or bonnet worn by women.

The bowl has a repoussé work crest of the city of Alkmaar with what I think is ‘Alemaria Victorix’ below it in cursive script. I suspect that Alemaria is the Latin name for Alkmaar and so it means ‘Alkmaar victorious’. This is a reference to the Dutch expression Bij Alkmaar begint de victorie ("Victory begins in Alkmaar"). This refers to the city successfully resisting a siege by the Spanish in 1573 and a turning point in the 80 years war. Please see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkmaar