English silver-gilt Apostle spoon, St. Bartholomew, Robert Wade, Taunton, 1657
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1657
This silver-gilt Apostle spoon features a figural finial depicting Saint Bartholomew. The spoon is 18.4 centimeters (7 1/4 inches) in length and weighs approximately 56 grams (1 ounce, 16 pennyweight).
The back of the bowl is decorated with prick-engraved floral motifs positioned above a set of inscribed initials, reading 'W.P' over 'A.G', accompanied by the date '1657'. The design incorporates a clear hallmark located on the bowl and the stem. The construction consists of a handle terminating in the Apostle finial with a nimbus, which shows signs of wear consistent with its age, as does the bowl, which appears slightly thin.
The silver-gilt surface reflects the long history of the piece. This type of liturgical or commemorative spoon, a hallmark of 17th-century English silversmithing, is associated with the maker Robert Wade from Taunton. The object showcases characteristic period engraving and metalwork typical of the mid-17th century.
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
- 18.4 cm
- Weight
- 56 g
- Material
- silver-gilt
Technical characteristics
- Marks
- Clear marks to bowl and stem
Design
- Finial
- St. Bartholomew
- Engraving
- prick-engraved flowers, initials W.P over A.G and date 1657
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
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.