Chard Laceback Trefid Spoon, 1707 by Richard Sweet
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Spoon - Laceback Trefid - Chard circa 1707 by Richard Sweet - 204mm long, 46 grams - Ref. No.: OT/1965
This is a fantastic example of a highly desirable West country laceback trefid spoon. This spoon is in superb condition and has a multitude of desirable features.
The laceback designs to the reverse of the bowl and front terminal are in outstandingly crisp condition. The original initials to the reverse of the terminal are beautifully pin-pricked and have the additional benefit of being dated - there are two sets of initials with the letter "L" above which may represent the name of a child and indicating that this spoon was given as a baptismal gift - the small hearts between the initials are a charming touch. The maker's mark is clearly and deeply struck four times to the stem and are documentary examples of the "RS with anchor between" mark.
The Sweet family were an important group of spoon makers in the West Country and were dispersed around several towns of the area - Crewkerne, Dunster, Honiton & Chard amongst them. The maker of this spoon is Richard Sweet II of Chard who lived from 1637 to 1718.
