Channel Islands Trefid Spoon by GM

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Spoon - Trefid - Jersey circa 1770 (or earlier) by George Mauger - 18.6cm long; 27g - FG/6888

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This is a fine example of an 18th century trefid spoon made in Jersey by George Mauger. It bears distinctive I:DQ engraving to the reverse of the stem, that is typical of Channel Islands silver with a name of French origin (e.g Jean De Quesnel). Despite its light weight, the spoon has survived remarkably well and retains its full shape bowl, in fact the condition is excellent with a good patina. There is a ribbed rattail to the underside of the bowl and a clearly struck "GM" maker's mark on the shank.

 

According to "Channel Islands Silver" by Richard Mayne, George Mauger was working in Jersey during the latter quarter of the 18th century. Spoons stamped "GM" are attributed to him, mostly they are trefid spoons, and tend to be dated to the 1770s. However, the production of trefid spoons at this late date is at odds to the rest of the UK where they were outdated at the latest by 1730, even in the far-flung provinces. George's father, Thomas Mauger, produced very similar trefid spoons at an earlier date in Jersey and by the 1770's other Channel Island silversmiths were already producing the in-fashion Old English pattern. Why would George Mauger still be producing trefid spoons in the 1770s? Furthermore, the engraved lettering on the spoon is an earlier style to the standard script found in the 1770's and after. In my opinion, an earlier relative of this George Mauger or perhaps an entirely different GM, must have been the owner of the GM mark found on trefid spoons and the manufacturer of this example. Further research is necessary to prove this theory.