Salisbury Seal-top Spoon, 1630

This is a fabulous spoon made by one of most prominent silversmiths of Salisbury - Robert Tyte. Salisbury made seal tops are generally classified in to two groups "A" and "B" according to the type of cast seal terminal, this spoon is from Group B. The seal retains it's original gilt finish and is dot-prick engraved to the flat plate with betrothal initials.

The fig-shaped bowl is generally in good order with a few minor dings and tiniest amount of wear to the leading edge. The hexagonal stem is struck three times to the reverse side: twice with a "T" mark and once with an animal mark (identical to mark 20 on page 38 of "Salisbury Silver & It's makers 1550-1700" by Tim Kent). The bowl is marked with a "RT" monogram mark within a pelleted circle (mark 12 in the same book). A great spoon with a fine patina.