Early Birmingham Silver Skewer, 1776 John Moore

Very early in date for a Birmingham-marked piece, this unusual skewer bears clear hallmarks for a rarely encountered maker.

This silver skewer has a purposefully lopsided ring terminal (it can't be caused by damage as does not have the proportions to become an oval or circle!) and a long straight dagger-like shaft - ideal for presenting a joint of meat. It was made by John Moore, a little known Birmingham silversmith of Belcher's Yard with the makers mark IM within a serrated oval.

The Birmingham assay office was opened in 1773 and with the date letter "D" for 1776/77, makes this a piece from the 4th year of the office.