Description

Engraved with the arms of The Worshipful Company of Innholders*. A handsome antique sterling silver spoon in the fiddle thread and shell pattern. Lovely plain styling. Excellent weight and colour. Engraved with 2 outstanding coats of arms and mottos, also with the date 1848-9 and “As a token of respect”. Total weight 218 grams, 7 troy ounces. Length 31.5 cms. London 1849. Maker Charles Lias.

Literature: The basting spoon, also known as a gravy spoon, was larger than a table spoon and was used for basting roast meats. Nowadays they are usually used as serving spoons.

*The Innholders received their first charter, setting out their rights and ‘privileges’, from Henry VIII in 1514. Seven years later they were occupying a hall on the present site – the Innholders’ Hall, (a Grade II* Listed Building), College Street, City of London. Beneath it are the foundations of the Roman quay which lay in the angle between the north bank of the Thames and the east bank of the Walbrook.

Signed/Inscribed: Engraved to the handle are the arms of The Worshipful Company of Innholders with the motto “Hinc Spes Affulget” – Hence Hope Shines Forth. Engraved to the underside of the bowl is a coat of arms with the motto “Respice Finem” – Look to the End.