17th century silver apostle spoon attributed to Robert Wade Jnr
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1630s-40s
This 17th-century apostle spoon is attributed to the maker Robert Wade Jnr of Taunton, dating to the 1630s-1640s. The spoon features a distinctive silver bowl and a straight stem, terminating in a gilt-finished apostle figure, identified as potentially St.
James the Greater, depicted holding a pilgrim's staff. The apostle’s nimbus is marked with the prick-engraved inscription "MHS 1671". The spoon measures 8.5cm in length and has a weight of 2oz. The construction displays a clear, well-shaped bowl, although the gilding on the apostle shows wear at the high points and extends slightly onto the upper stem. The piece bears maker's marks reading "RW *W *W"; however, the town mark is absent, and the secondary marks are notably indistinct.
This antique flatware item exhibits typical signs of age and handling, with the primary maker's mark remaining relatively clear and legible, while others show varying degrees of degradation over the centuries.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 8.5cm
- Weight
- 2oz
- Material
- silver
Technical characteristics
- Marks
- RW *W *W
Design
- Terminal
- gilt apostle, possibly St James the Greater
- Inscriptions
- MHS 1671 (on nimbus)
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Robert Wade Jnr
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.