Marrow Scoop, Whitehaven 1775

This rare marrow scoop was made by a Cumbrian silversmith in the late 18th century and presumably due to his remoteness did not feel it necessary to send the scoop for assay and marking. It is struck three times with an "FS" makers mark and is known as a duty dodger. The scoop is in fine condition and bears a good engraved crest of a raised hand to the reverse of the larger scoop. The "FS" mark on this scoop is the same mark as illustrated in “A Directory of Newcastle Goldsmiths” by Margaret A.V. Gill on page 249. Francis Sollomon entered a mark at the Newcastle Assay Office and worked in Whitehaven between c.1775 & 1786. He is known to have made marrow scoops and this is a rare example of such a piece and a true example of English provincial silver.