SPOON

Treasure case 2016 T526: Not treasure, returned to finder

Description: A silver 'picture back' Hanoverian teaspoon with some damage to the bowl. The bowl is an elongated oval, bent and compressed at the point it joins the handle straightening this end and creating distinct corners. On the back of the bowl there is a single extended drop at the junction with the handle. Around the drop is a raised elaborate wavy edged shell and scroll design in the 'picture back' style. The very narrow handle (3.1mm at narrowest point) widens to a rounded end (12.6mm across) with a thickened tip (a 'pip') from which a very short ridge runs downs the centre of the handle. The end is bent up. On the back of the handle are two stamped marks on the narrow part nearer the bowl and an incised capital I (owners initial) on the widened tip. The marks are: a makers mark closer to the bowl, a recessed rectangle containing a raised I*T, and a lion passant showing it is sterling silver.

Dimensions: The spoon measures 121.5mm in length, 24.1mm maximum width across the bowl, 9.9mm thick on the bowl, 2.3mm on the handle and weighs 12.81grams.

Discussion: The variation of the Hanoverian design with upturned tip to the handle, elongated bowl, single elongated drop at the back and short ridge on the front of the handle and the 'picture back' decoration around the drop all suggests a mid-18^th century date of c.AD 1740-1770.

A similar makers mark was registered in London for James Tookey, a maker of smallware, flatware and salts, in 1762 and it is probable he is the maker giving a suggested specific date of 1761 to 1766 based on known objects with this mark (Silver Makers Marks 2016).