East Anglian Silver-gilt Seal Top Spoon, c.1620

This early 17th century silver seal top spoon was made in the Beccles area of East Anglia by a known maker. The "RC bowl mark can be ascribed to Robert Chesten a silversmith working in the Waveney Valley.

This spoon has a squat, cushion-shaped, cast seal terminal with hexagonal plate and a tapering, hexagonal stem that is engraved with the initials "SY:RY" to the reverse side. It has a deep, fig-shaped bowl and would once have been gilt all over but now has a pleasing mellow, gold colour to the bowl interior and terminal.

This 400-year old spoon is in fine condition with expected minor scratches from use. The original bowl shape remains intact, although the leading edge is a little sharp to the touch. The seal terminal remains well-detailed and there is neither damage nor repair.

Richard Chesten was working in Beccles between circa 1615 and 1630 and came from a prominent family of silversmiths. Spoons by him are described and illustrated in "East Anglian Silver 1550-1750" by Christopher Hartop as items 69 and 78 and the distinctive "RC" maker's mark also shown on page 95.