Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2007.25.05 |
Object Name |
Tablespoon |
Year Range from |
1875 |
Features |
Silver coloured spoon. Slight heart shapped design on handle, above engraved "B". Back is embossed with "made in Canada" and "900 WB/W". Made from a dull, cast steel base metal with a shiny plating, likely silver. |
Object Story |
This tablespoon belonged to Wesley Mackinnon Alkenbrack possibly during his time with the armed forces in World War II. Wesley was born September 9, 1918 in Kaladar Township, to Claud E. Alkenbrack (1889-1982) and Flora Mackinnon (1889-1959), who were married October 16, 1912. Prior to World War II Wesley served with the 47th Reserve Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery. However, in June of 1940 he enlisted in the 32/34 Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery (R.C.A). Overseas he served with the 34th Field Battery and the 14th Field Regiment (R.C.A.). He participated in the first assault on D-Day along the Normandy coast line. He remained in Europe until 1946 serving with the Canadian Army Staff Lines of Communication with postings in Ghent, Brussels, and Paris. He was discharged June 19, 1946. The "WB/W" maker's mark on the back of the handle indicates that the spoon was made by the Wallace Brothers, a U.S. metal plating company which was formed in 1875 and merged with a second company in 1879. This Wallace Brothers primarily produced silver plated flatware on a base of stainless steel. However the company that acquired Wallace Brothers did not open a Canadian Brach until 1924, leaving the date of this spoon uncertain. |
People |
Alkenbrack, Wesley Mackinnon Alkenbrack, Claud Ethelbert Alkenbrack, Flora (nee Mackinnon) |
Subjects |
War World War II D-Day Metal plating |
Search Terms |
Normandy Ghent Brussels Paris 47th Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery 32/34 Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery 34th Field Battery 14th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery Wallace Brothers |