Paul Storr Silver Table Spoon, Double Shell & Laurel Pattern, 1817

This a superb quality silver table by Paul Storr and as good quality as you are likely to find.

Made in the Double, Shell & Laurel pattern, this hefty George III period table spoon just oozes high quality. It has crisp, double-struck decoration, clear London hallmarks (including the PS maker's mark) and is in fine condition throughout.

A further sign of its rich heritage is the engraved monogram, crest and motto to the front terminal. The motto reads "Diligentia Ditat" which translates to "hard work pays off". This is the crest and motto of the Ferrier family and potentially the monogram of Rear-admiral John Ferrier (c1759-1836), a contemporary and colleague of Horatio Nelson.

Double Shell & Laurel pattern is a rare variant of King's pattern and is considered to be one of the most prestigious and desirable of all British flatware designs. First made by Paul Storr circa 1810 for the royal goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, the pattern must have originally had an extraordinary premium price as very few services exist.