Sterling Silver Seal-Top Spoon - Antique Elizabeth I (1585)

This exceptional antique Elizabethan sterling seal top spoon* has a pear-shaped bowl to a faceted stem.

The rounded bowl of this impressive antique silver spoon is plain and unembellished, apart from the feature assay mark.

The faceted stem terminates with a knopped circular seal matrix/die bearing the initials 'SPSW'.

The knopped terminal and bowl of the spoon retain the original gilding.

Such 16th century examples in this condition are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.

* Seal top spoons became popular in England in the later 16th and 17th centuries.

NOTE: After surviving the Great Fire of London, the records at the London Assay office were destroyed by fire in 1681; their catalogues and documentation began again in 1697. Due to this unfortunate event, we are unable to associate a maker to this spoon.

Maker: Untraced Maker's Mark

Date: 1585

This antique silver seal top spoon is an excellent gauge of silver, excellent quality and in excellent condition.

The original gilding has wear in keeping with age.

The British hallmarks to the reverse of the stem, in addition to the assay mark to the bowl are all very clear; the hallmarks are clearly struck for such an early example and remain in legible condition.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this impressive 16th century silver spoon.

Length 15.9cm/6.26"

Width 4.7cm/1.85"

Height 1.8cm/0.71"

1.4 troy ounces/44.5g