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Apostle Spoons were a popular and fashionable Christening Gift in Tudor and Stuart times. A full set of twelve was a very valuable gift. Some sets had thirteen and these included a spoon called "The Master" as it depicted the figure of Christ. It is virtually impossible to find a complete set with the Master nowadays. However, many sets of six were made in Victorian times. Single Apostle spoons can also be found. London Apostle spoons are marked with a leopard’s head in the bowl, near the base of the stem, and those made in the province carry the town or city marks in the same position. All other identifying marks are found on the reverse of the stem. The other twelve apostles consist of St. Andrew, St. Bartholomew, St. James The Greater, St. James The Less, St. John, St. Jude, St. Matthias, St. Matthew, St. Paul, St. Philip, St. Simon Zelotes and St. Thomas and are identified by the emblem he is carrying. St Paul and St. James are the most frequently encountered. St. Paul is the patron saint of London. |
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Above: An example of a Victorian Continental / London imported spoon dated 1892 |
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Berry Spoons can be found in many sizes. They would usually be used for serving soft fruits and the bowls are often highly decorated with embossed fruits, hence the name Berry Spoon. The bowls are usually gilded or partly gilded to protect the silver from the fruit acids. They are very collectible usually having beautifully engraved stems. The Berry Spoon came into use around 1840 but the Victorians often took Georgian Spoons and changed them to due to the fashions of the time. On the right is an example of a silver plated berry spoon. |
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| Caddy Spoons were, and still are, used to scoop a measure of tea from a caddy into a pot. They come in various shapes and designs and are one of the most collectible spoons available. They were first used from around the 1750's. Prior to 1781, Caddy Spoons and other small spoons which were produced by London Makers were only hallmarked with the Lion Passant for Sterling and the Makers Initials therefore it can be quite hard to date these early examples. | |
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Seal Top Spoons are the most commonly found spoons from the 16th and 17th Centuries. They vary in length and design but the tops are always flat with a disc at the end in the form of a seal. Sugar Sifter Spoons can be found in a variety of styles. They can be found either as an item in a canteen or on its own. Handles can be plain, patterned or novelty and the bowls can be very intricate in their design. The Sugar Sifter Spoon was first introduced around 1770. |
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| Tea Spoons are one of the most commonly found spoon. They are popular collectible items as they are quite cheap to find. A good silver spoon can be as little as £5.00 each. There are a wide range of patterns available. | |