Plymouth Silver Laceback Dog Nose Spoon, 1728

This is an extremely rare example of a silver dog nose table spoon originating from the city of Plymouth with laceback decoration to both front and back.

Laceback decoration is typical of the final two decades of the 17th century and is invariably found on trefid spoons. The form was very popular in the West Country and in particular Plymouth. However, this example dates from the late 1720's and is in the dog nose style that superceded trefid spoons, making it a very rare late example.

The decoration found to the reverse of the bowl and front of the stem is a touch worn from use but still quite distinctive. The original dot-pricked ownership initials on the reverse terminal are dated to "1728" and this helps to accurately date the spoon. The maker's mark "RF" is clearly stamped twice to the back of the bowl and is for the Plymouth based maker Richard Freeman.

The spoon is made from a thin gauge of silver and has a light feel in the hand, consequently it is only in fair condition with thin edges to the bowl and a tiny split to one side (see close-up photo). Accounting for the condition of the spoon, this very rare example is offered at a competitive price.