Charles I provincial silver gilt apostle spoon, c. 1625
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1625
This provincial English silver-gilt apostle spoon dates to the Charles I era, circa 1625. It features a characteristic fig-shaped bowl and a faceted stem topped with an apostle finial representing either the Master or St.
John. The piece is constructed with a silver-gilt finish applied to both the bowl and the finial, exhibiting a soft patina. Hallmarking includes three identical ciphers located on the faceted stem and the maker's mark 'AB' in a heart shape struck into the interior of the bowl. The reverse side of the bowl is pricked with the initials 'RV' over 'NN' and the year '1626'. Measuring 19cm in length and weighing 65 grams, the spoon shows signs of age consistent with its period, including light scratching and fine pitting, particularly on the underside of the bowl, along with a small nick on the stem just below the finial.
This example represents the tradition of regional silversmithing in early 17th-century England.
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
- 19cm
- Weight
- 65gms
- Material
- silver gilt
Technical characteristics
- Marks
- three identical ciphers on stem, maker's mark AB in heart in bowl
Design
- Finial
- Master or St John
- Engraving
- pricked initials RV over NN and dated 1626 on verso of bowl
- Bowl shape
- fig-shaped
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
- AB
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.