Rare Antique Le Chien d’Or Quebec Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon, Fleur-de-Lis Animalier Collectible Flatware

Discover a rare piece of early Canadian history and Animalier art with this magnificent antique sterling silver souvenir spoon, beautifully commemorating the dark, defiant legend of “Le Chien d’Or” (The Golden Dog) of Quebec.

Measuring exactly 4 3/4 inches long, this highly collectible piece is a true rarity due to its pristine, crisp condition. The ornate handle boasts stunning repoussé work featuring French fleur-de-lis motifs and a majestic crown finial. The interior of the bowl features a deeply struck, flawless relief image of a dog gnawing a bone, copying the historic 1736 stone carving from Quebec City.

The story behind this carving is what truly elevates this spoon into a museum-worthy conversation piece. The original stone was put up by a prominent merchant named Nicolas Jacquin Philibert as a silent, public vow of vengeance against the corrupt French Intendant, François Bigot. Philibert was later assassinated by an officer tied to Bigot, cementing the “Golden Dog” as an enduring symbol of Canadian colonial lore.

The framed Old French inscription struck into the bowl reads:
“Je suis un chien qui ronge lo / En le rongeant je prend mon repos / Un tems viendra qui n’est pas venu / Que je morderay qui m’aura mordu”

English Translation:
“I am a dog that gnaws a bone / In gnawing it I take my rest / A time will come, which has not yet come / When I will bite him who has bitten me”

A rare and fascinating collector’s find, a unique and memorable gift or a personal private “revenge” treasure, this extraordinary silver spoon checks all the boxes!

Don’t forget our free shipping within the USA. All of our items arrive gift-wrapped in our distinctive “houndstooth” paper!