Georgian Silver Stilton Scoop, 1818 Wm Knight

This is a fabulous and original Georgian silver stilton or soft cheese scoop in fiddle pattern.

One piece silver stilton scoops (as opposed to those with ivory or mother of pearl handles) dating from the early 19th century are very rare and this is a really fine quality example. It has been made from a good, thick gauge to ensure it is fit for purpose and consequently has a nice sturdy feel in the hand. A further sign of the very high quality is the finely engraved crest of "a swan feeding cygnets on the nest" located to the front of the handle.

Fake fiddle pattern stilton scoops occasionally appear on the market as converted table spoons, but they tend to be flimsy and much shorter than this example. This is the real deal with a strong, shovel-shaped scoop and is in fine condition. The scoop was made by the London silversmith William Knight who appears to have specialised in making unusual serving pieces.