Charles I Silver Apostle Spoon, London 1640-1

This Charles I silver apostle spoon, dated 1640-1, represents a traditional form of English decorative silverware. The spoon features a distinctive terminal in the shape of an apostle figure, typical of this historical style.

Crafted from silver, it possesses a standard bowl design common to the era. The stem is decorated with period-specific punch-engraved initials 'MB' over 'EH', accompanied by the date '1640', providing a clear provenance of its era of use. The spoon measures 7.25 inches in length. It bears hallmarks indicating it was assayed in London, along with a specific maker's mark 'RC' positioned under dots and above a star, all contained within a shield reserve.

This piece serves as a characteristic example of 17th-century craftsmanship and domestic utilitarian design, showcasing the symbolic embellishments popular among the elite and middle classes of the period. While maintaining its traditional shape, it carries historical evidence through its engravings, reflecting both its date of origin and the personal identifiers of its original owners during the reign of King Charles I.