William III Silver-gilt Trefid Spoon, London 1699
£550.00
Table Spoon - Trefid with Beaded Rattail; Gilt - London 1699 by Lawrence Coles - 19.9cm long; 55g - MC/5863
This William III silver trefid spoon was made by the top spoonmaker Lawrence Coles and is attractively gilded all over.
Having been made from a thick gauge of silver, the spoon is of the highest quality, with a good, solid weight in the hand. The rattail to the reverse of the bowl is decorated with beading and the front of the spoon is engraved with "RR" ownership initials highlighted by four stars.
The spoon is in fine condition with just a little softening to the beading from table contact, a great set of Britannia Standard hallmarks and no signs of any erasures to the back of the terminal. To many the gilding may be a desirable feature, however it is probably 19th century in date and has therefore been accounted for in the competitive price.
Lawrence Coles was one of the most important specialist spoonmakers from the last few decades of the 17th century and into the early 18th century. He was integral to a long line of spoonmakers that included his master John Smith and his apprentices which included Thomas Sadler, Thomas Issod and William Swadling.
