Rare William Darby Patent Teaspoon 1785

A rare example of an important Darby Patent spoon. In 1785 William Darby of Sheffield patented a method of machine stamping spoons. Spoons that were made using this method are stamped with the appropriate Sheffield hallmarks (including an incuse duty mark), his maker's mark and a "PATENT" stamp. Judging by the paucity of extant examples this patent was not entirely successful but it lead the way for the mass production of flatware in the later 19th century.

A full description and copy of the original patent can be seen in "Silver Flatware 1660-1980" by Ian Pickford (pages 20-22).

This spoon has a small bowl, but is in good condition with engraved initials to the front terminal.