Scottish Silver Trefid Spoon, 1702 by James Penman

This is an extremely rare example of an early 18th century Scottish silver trefid spoon with good Edinburgh hallmarks for 1702.

This trefid spoon has an interesting array of engravings to the rear teminal which include a betrothal triangle reading "M" (surname) over "I" and "T" (first names) indicating the spoon was originally given as a wedding gift. The letters "KY" underneath appear to be by the same hand and may also be original but are more likely to date from a short time later when the spoon was given to someone else.

This spoon is in generally good condition although the rattail to the reverse of the bowl is rather worn. The hallmarks are particularly interesting because in addition to the Edinburgh town mark and the date letter "r" for 1702, the spoon bears two "P" within a heart-shaped punch for Edward Penman - one being his maker's mark and the other being the Assay Master's mark.

Edward Penman was an important Scottish silversmith and also became Assay Master to the Edinburgh Assay Office in 1697 and held the position for thirty-two years until 1729. A rare and importnt Scottish spoon.