York Silver Trefid Spoon, 1677 by Charles Rhoades

Early York silver spoons are rare and this is a great example of a late 17th century trefid spoon by Charle Rhoades.

The trefid terminal to this Charles II period spoon has a pronounced central lobe that immediately distinguishes it from London-made examples. The reverse terminal is engraved with a betrothal triangle and the back of the bowl has a rattail. The condition is very good and although the bowl tip is beginning to curl from almost 350 years of use it maintains its original shape.

The York hallmarks to the reverse of the stem include the CR within a heart stamp of the maker, the York town mark and a partially worn elaborate "y" - the date letter for 1677.

Charles Rhoades was working in York  in the final quarter of the 17th century and the early years of the 18th century (see photographed extract from "Directory of York Goldsmiths, Silversmiths and Associated Craftsmen" by Hugo Murray) and extant spoon examples by him are rare.