Edward Anthony silver-gilt Apostle spoon, St. Jude
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
17th century
This silver-gilt Apostle spoon, created by the maker Edward Anthony of Exeter, represents a traditional form of ornamental flatware dating to the seventeenth century.
The spoon features a finial cast in the image of the Apostle St. Jude, distinguished by a sacred dove nimbus. The handle consists of a long, slender stem that terminates in the Apostle figure. The bowl of the spoon is of a deep, pear-shaped form, typical of the period's craftsmanship. The object bears historical prick-engraved inscriptions, with the initials S.S. over I.R., and additional later initials M.W. inscribed on the piece.
There are clear maker's and assay marks located on the bowl and the rear of the stem. The construction demonstrates a solid gauge and high-quality metalwork, with the original gilding remaining mostly intact despite typical wear to the finial. Measuring 18.7 centimeters (7 4/8 inches) in length and weighing 53 grams (1 ounce, 14 pennyweight), the spoon is an example of provincial English silversmithing.
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
- 18.7cm
- Weight
- 53g
- Material
- silver, silver-gilt
Design
- Finial
- St. Jude with sacred dove nimbus
- Inscriptions
- S.S over I.R, M.W
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
- Edward Anthony
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.