Set of 6 'British' Heart of Oak Silver Teaspoons. c.1760

This is a rare set of six Georgian silver picture back teaspoons featuring a heart among oak leaves and acorns and the word "BRITISH" to the reverse side of the bowl.

Known as "heart of oak" picture backs these are scarce to find as singletons, so a set of six is a terrific find. They will date from circa 1760 and made in celebration of the partiotic song "Heart of Oak" that was first performed at the end of 1759. The song mentions "this wonderful year" which refers to the annus mirablis of 1759 which amid other notable technological and agricultural achievements, saw successive British victories in the Seven Years' War and a feeling of great national pride amongst the British people.

These Hanoverian spoons are in excellent condition with original engraved "E.M" initials to the reverse terminals. They are appropriately stamped to the lower stems with the lion passant and WT (in script) maker's mark for William Turner. This specialist spoonmaker had been apprenticed to James Wilks in 1741.

A great set of rare spoons in fine condition!