Pair of David Willaume Dog-Nose Spoons

The pedigree of the silversmith David Willaume cannot be overstated. Born in 1658, he was a Huguenot refugee whose denization to England occurred in 1687. From the documentation of his surviving work, there can be no doubt that Willaume enjoyed the patronage of the wealthiest clients in England from the final few years of the 17th century through to the late 1720's. The list of clients numbers aristocrats of all ranks and the items produced include huge and elaborate wine cisterns, punch bowls, wall sconces, wine fountains and extensive toilet services. 

On the evidence of the very heavy weight (over 75 grams each) and the presence of the engraved coat-of-arms to the reverse terminal, this pair of Queen Anne period silver dog nose table spoons were made for one of those rich patrons. The armorials remain distinct and are contemporary with the 300-year age of the spoons. With patience, their provenance could be traced.

These antique spoons are made from the purer Britannia standard silver (95.8% compared to 92.5% sterling standard) and are stamped with the appropriate hallmarks. The punches include the "WI" makers mark shown as Grimwade reference 3193 which although double-struck on one spoon and slightly mis-struck on the other remain clearly legible. The date letters show the lower half of the 1712 year mark.

The spoons remain in excellent condition with a good patina and in part due to the hefty gauge of silver used in their manufacture, the bowls retain their original shape. A fine pair of spoons by one of the renown masters of the trade.