Double Shell & Laurel Pattern Silver Dessert Spoon by Paul Storr

This is a fine example of an antique silver dessert spoon made by the greatest English silversmith of the 19th century, Paul Storr in one of the most cherished flatware patterns.

Double Shell & Laurel pattern is a rare variant of King's pattern and is considered to be one of the most prestigious and desirable of all British flatware designs. First made by Paul Storr circa 1810 for the royal goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, the pattern must have originally had an extraordinary premium price as very few services exist. 

This George III dessert spoon has super-crisp double-struck decoration and clear London hallmarks. The engraving to the front cartouche is in itself a sign of very high quality as it features a monogram, crest and motto. The motto reads "Diligentia Ditat" which translates to "hard work pays off". This is the crest and motto of the Ferrier family and potentially the monogram of Rear-admiral John Ferrier (c1759-1836), a contemporary and colleague of Horatio Nelson.

This fine quality spoon is in excellent condition.