Comments: An extremely rare piece of flatware. 

This picture back marrow spoon depicts a red squirrel sitting on an oak tree stump whilst nibbling an acorn. The scene is enveloped by branch tendrils with oak leaves and more acorns. The scene is emblematic of British pride during the mid-18th Century and almost certainly relates to the recently written song "Heart of Oak". The squirrel in the picture represents Britain and the surrounding oak branches representing the protection afforded to it by the Royal Navy.

The oak referred to in the title of the song refers to the wood from which British warships were traditionally made. The song became the official march of the Royal Navy. The music for this song was composed by Dr William Boyce and the words were written by David Garrick. The words in the song reference the "wonderful year", this being 1759-60 during which British forces were victorious in several battles: The battle of Lagos, battle of Quebec City, Battle of Quiberon Bay, Battle of Wandiwash and the success in foiling a French invasion. See Wikipedia.org for more information and the song lyrics in full.

Marrow spoons are scarce at the best of times (far less common than a standard scoop), picture back marrow spoons or scoops are rare, "a squirrel on stump" picture back on any spoon is very rare. This is the first time we have encountered this very rare emblem on a marrow spoon.

The picture is in pretty good condition with some very minor loss of detail from table contact and polishing. All the picture is present and can be easily observed. The hallmarks are also in good condition, although the date letter is a little rubbed (still legible). The front bears an engraved initial in Gothic script.

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