Silver-gilt Flameback Trefid Spoon, 1689 Thos Issod

This is a stunning silver-gilt trefid spoon in one of the rarest and most desirable forms, the "Flameback". These spoons are so termed from the distinctive acanthus leaf decoration around the rattail which has the appearance of flames and were fashionable for a short period during the late 1680's and early 1690's. 

This fine 6.75" long spoon has contemporary to manufacture engraved decoration over the front and reverse sides of the handle, a "flame-back" to the reverse of the bowl and all over lemon gilding. The cartouches to both sides of the terminal are free from engraving (no erasures) and the decoration remains crisp throughout.

The spoon is in fine original condition (some pitting to the front, inside of the bowl) with a clear set of hallmarks. The hallmarks on this type of spoon are often lost within the engraving, so it is a major bonus to be able to see all four marks: date letter "m" for 1689, lion passant, leopard's head crowned and the "TZ" crowned mark for Thomas Issod (or Iss-Zod). Thomas Issod was apprenticed to the major spoonmaker Lawrence Coles.

A wonderful William & Mary period spoon in a highly sought after variant of the trefid pattern!