SPOON

Description: An acorn finial from an incomplete silver spoon, dating from the medieval period (AD1300-1450).

The lower part of the spoon and much of the handle (or stem) is missing. The remaining portion of stem (7mm in length) is hexagonal in section, whilst the finial or knop is in the form of an acorn. The shell of the acorn is decorated with linear cross-hatching.

Dimensions:

Length: 16.19mm

Diameter (stem): 3.44mm

Diameter (finial): 6.71mm

Weight: 2.4g

Discussion: Acorn knop spoons have been recorded in medieval contexts; Egan (1998:252) illustrates a number of spoons of similar form dating from the 14th to mid-15th century AD, in particular fig 198, no. 774. A more complete example of this spoon can be seen on the PAS database (BERK-203428), and a similar fragment of an acorn finial has also been recorded (LANCUM-BB22B6). As such, the example under discussion here can be confidently dated to between AD 1300-1450.

Notes:

This item qualifies as Treasure under the criteria of the 1996 Treasure Act, being more than 300 years old and containing in excess of 10% precious metal

Treasure number: 2017-T724

References:

Egan, G., 1998. The medieval household daily living: c. 1150 - c. 1450. H.M.S.O., London.

Author: Benjamin Westwood, Finds Liaison Officer for Durham, Darlington & Teesside

Date: 22/08/17

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