Silver Trefid Spoon, 1691 by William Mathew I

Made by the top spoonmaker William Mathew, this William & Mary period silver trefid table spoon is a fine quality example in excellent condition.

The spoon has a reeded rattail to the reverse of the bowl and original dot-pricked "ID" initials ("I" being the old English way of writing a "J") to the back of the stem. The London hallmarks are crisp and legible with a superb example of the "WM" crowned maker's mark for William Mathew I.

William Mathew I gained his apprenticeship in spoonmaking from John Smith in 1675 and went on to train later specialist spoonmakers Stephen Coleman and William Petley.

A fine 17th century spoon in superb condition with an unworn bowl and antique patina.