Double-duty Jockey Cap Silver Caddy Spoon, 1797

This a rare George III period silver caddy spoon in the form of a jockey cap with the infrequently seen double duty marks.

This caddy spoon was made by Joseph Taylor and dates from the first year that jockey cap caddy spoons were made. Together with the "eagle's wing" and "hand", the jockey cap caddy spoon is the third of the trilogy of the must-have antique silver caddy spoons and this is a fine example of the standard model produced by Joseph Taylor at the end of the 18th century. 

This tea caddy spoon has clever engraving representing the seam work to the cap, a button to the top and a tied ribbon to the back (note: there is a tiny split here). It has an attractively engraved peak and there are no personalised engravings.

A major bonus is the clear, full set of Birmingham hallmarks (often they are only part marked) to the underside of the visor and with this example you get two duty marks to denote double duty was paid!  Duty on silver was doubled in 1797 to help pay for the Napoleonic Wars, in order for the assay offices to identify which pieces had paid this extra duty, the provincial offices stamped the mark twice. 

This jockey cap spoon has bonus features and is a fine example.