Pair of Chester Silver Stuffing Spoons, 1787 Thomas Hill

These are a very rare pair of documented Georgian silver stuffing, gravy or basting spoons complete with Chester hallmarks.

These 12.75" long spoons are in the Old English Thread pattern and have long elegant handles with proportionately short bowls that make them perfect for stuffing fowl. Old English Thread was the height of fashion for silverware of the 1780's and 90's, so these English provincial spoons fit perfectly with that period. The original engraved crests to the terminal depict a boar's head which is likely for the Bravant family of Chester. The condition is superb with thick tips to the bowls and a lovely patina throughout.

The reverse side of both spoons are clearly stamped with sterling silver hallmarks and include the three wheatsheaves city arms mark for Chester and a "TH" maker's mark. This mark is subject to a discussion on page 87 of "Chester Silver 1727-1837" by Maurice H. Ridgway (see photo) where this pair of gravy spoons are referenced (see photo of excerpt). The most likely candidate suggested for the mark is Thomas Hilsby (Helsby) a Liverpool-based silversmith, however the later updated "Compendium of Chester Gold & Silver Marks 1570-1962" by the same author on page 410, suggests Helsby as a specialist watch maker and snuff box maker. On page 411, the "TH" mark is attributed to Thomas Hill and as a general silversmith working from Chester, he would seem the most fitting candidate.