Sheffield Caddy Spoon, 1781 GA&Co

George Ashforth & Company (comprising George Ashforth, Ellis Hawksworth & Best) were one of the first companies to register at the Sheffield Assay Office when it opened on September 11th 1773 - they entered their mark on September 29th. This is the first time we have encountered these makers on a silver caddy spoon and what a fine example it is too.

The spoon has a round, fluted bowl with a short, attractively-shaped handle with a punched bead rim. The engraved crest featuring a raised, armoured hand holding a spike is a dominant feature of the spoon. The "GA/&Co" hallmark is clearly stamped inside the bowl to one side, whilst the remaining hallmarks are on the outside of the bowl to the other side. Interestingly the combined crown and Gothic "D" mark was only the second year that the combined crown/date letter mark was used.

This spoon features many commending features: early Sheffield marks, rare maker, attractive design, clear hallmarks & crisp engraved crest. Furthermore, it is in fine condition too!