Marlborough Seal-top Spoon, 1638

We are pleased to offer this very fine example of a Charles I period spoon with a large and high quality baluster, cast seal terminal. The flat end of the seal is engraved with an attractive set of dot-prick engraved betrothal initials "IP" over "BS" and dated to 1638. A later added engraved date "1638" is engraved to the back of the bowl. The spoon is in excellent original condition with an unworn bowl. The large baluster-shape seal terminal retains its original gilding and detailing. This is a superb quality spoon in fine original condition.

The spoon is struck once to the bowl with a clear example of the distinctive "WG" makers mark of William Gough (see "West Country Silver Spoons & Their Marks" by Tim Kent as mark 54 on page 94). The Gough family were working in Marlborough during the majority of the 17th century. The first silversmith member of the family was William Gough I who was working during the second quarter of the century and would have been the maker of this spoon.