Spatula-end Spoon, Exeter 1711 by Edward Sweet

This is a very rare example of a spatula top silver spoon -a sub-division of the dog nose spoon.

This spoon has a rounded terminal that is a distinctively West Country style, peculiar to Edward Sweet of Dunster and referred to by Tim Kent as a "spatula end" (see "West Country Silver Spoons & Their Makers" page 23). This example has a documentary set of Britannia standard hallmarks for the Exeter Assay Office with a clear example of the "SW" makers mark. The rattail has a beaded design which shows a little wear from table contact.

Original dot-prick "MA" initials, which are dated to 1713, are located to the reverse terminal. The spoon has an excellent patina with an unworn bowl. A very fine spoon!