Hatpins!
Forget magnets or postcards, souvenir hatpins are all the rage this Tiny Tuesday!
The sterling silver head on this pin is shaped as the shield of the 1873 to 1907 Arms of Canada. The emblems for various provinces and territories are done in colored enamel, with each emblem marking a different place in the country. This specific shield is a simplified version of the 1873 edition, when the emblems for British Columbia and Prince Edward Island were incorporated.
For travelers, in the past and present, a little trinket from a trip holds lasting memories. Whereas today one might purchase a keychain or shot glass, souvenirs had a slightly different look during the late 1800s, as evidenced by this hatpin. Souvenir spoons, hatpins, and dishes were common mementos purchased by travelers during the 19th and 20th centuries. This patriotic hatpin belonged to Anna Howland Borden (1858-1940), an avid traveler, and was likely purchased on one of her numerous trips through Canada.