Richard Jenkins Silver Caddy Spoon, Exeter 1795

18th century Exeter-made silver tea caddy spoons are relatively scarce and this example by Richard Jenkins is particularly lovely.

The spoon has a bright-cut engraved handle and the elegant, oval bowl has an engraved pattern within. The spoon has appropriate hallmarks for the Exeter assay office , with the distinctive flat bottomed punch for the lion passant and the "RJ" maker's mark clinching the Exeter origin. Small Exeter spoons of this period did not bear a date letter, but the working period of the maker and the form of the spoon puts it in the final few years of the 1700's. The spoon is in fine condition with crisp decoration.