Rattail Silver Mote Spoon, c.1725

The rattail to the reverse of the pierced bowl of this early 18th century silver mote spoon is key to dating the piece to the 1715-1730 period and the fancy pierced design assigns it to the latter part of that period (the bowls were simply drilled before about 1720).

The attractively pierced bowl was used for skimming dust motes from the surface of a cup of tea (a common problem for tea drinkers at a time when the product was carried in wooden chests) and the long tapering stem enabled the unblocking of teapot spouts.

Many antique mote spoons lack hallmarks due to their small size, narrow shanks and overall fragility - fortunately this one bears a clear "AS" mark for Ambrose Stevenson whose working career fits in with the circa 1725 timeline. The spoon is in excellent condition.