Taunton Trefid Spoon, 1678

This is a fabulous provincial silver trefid spoon with two features that are distinctively west country: a bulbous terminal and a generous rounded bowl. This spoon has several other features meriting close attention - the dot-pricked betrothal initials to the reverse of the terminal are contemporary to manufacture and so help accurately date the spoon to 1678. Also the marks are excellent - the rebus town mark in the bowl for Taunton "T" within a tun (barrel) and the two "ID" makers marks surmounting a fleur-de-lys to the reverse of the stem. Superb condition throughout with a fine patina and a good solid too! A marvellous spoon.