James II Silver Laceback Trefid Spoon, 1686

This is an excellent James II period silver trefid table spoon with original laceback decoration to front and back.

This spoon was made by one of the top specialist spoonmakers of the late 17th century, Thomas Allen. Allen was apprenticed to John King in 1668 and went on to train some of the best spoonmakers of the next generation: Isaac Davenport, Henry Greene, Thomas Burridge, Starling Wilford etc.

Laceback spoons were especially popular during the 1680's and this example dates from the middle of the decade and the short reign of King James II. It is especially pleasing to have such crisp decoration as the raised design can be prone to wear, particularly around the rattail to the back of the bowl. The terminal of the spoon has the usual three lobed appearance together with the additional "ears" that sometimes accompany lacebacks.

The reverse of the terminal has an original dot pricked scroll which may once have accompanied engraved initials, however if they were present these have long since gone without detrimental impact and a late 18th century script monogram is engraved instead within the front design.

This Jacobean spoon has a nice weight in the hand and is in fine condition with a good, unworn bowl and an antique patina. The TA maker's mark with three pellets above and one below is clearly struck and the London hallmarks are a little worn but legible. A good spoon at a great price.