Edward IV silver Apostle spoon, c. 1475
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1475
This Edward IV silver Apostle spoon, dating to circa 1475, is a significant example of medieval English plate. The spoon features a distinctive fig-shaped bowl that transitions into a slightly tapering, facetted handle.
The terminal of the handle is cast in the form of an Apostle figure, identified by the remains of an attribute, possibly the flaying knife of St. Bartholomew. The figure is depicted with a robe draped over his arm and hands held forward, though the original nimbus is now lacking. The total length of the piece is 7 3/8 inches (18.9 cm), with a weight of 1 oz 19 dwt (60 grams). A maker's mark consisting of a bifurcated cinquefoil enclosed within a dotted circle is present in the bowl.
This specific spoon represents the traditional craftsmanship found in early silver cutlery, characterized by its cast terminal decoration and structural form indicative of its 15th-century origin.
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
- 18.9 cm
- Weight
- 60 g
- Material
- silver
Technical characteristics
- Marks
- Bifurcated cinquefoil in a dotted circle
Design
- Bowl
- fig-shaped
- Handle
- tapering facetted
- Terminal
- Apostle figure
- Figure details
- draped robe, held arms
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.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.