6 Old English Shoulders Table Spoons, 1763 Thos & Wm Chawner

Old English with Shoulders is a rare transitional pattern generally dating from the 1760's and was briefly in fashion as the mood moved away from the prevailing Hanoverian pattern. The "shoulders" (projections from the handle towards the bowl) were taken from the new French style known as Fiddle, but with a simpler handle terminal that was to become the Old English style.

These are a fabulous quality set of six, which is a scarcity in itself, that were made from a heavy gauge of silver and consequently have a satisfying hefty feel in the hand and retain their thick bowl tips. They are beautifully engraved with original script initials to the front terminal and are bottom-struck with variable London hallmarks for the important spoonmaking brothers - Thomas & William Chawner.

Thomas Chawner had been apprenticed to Ebenezer Coker, the best spoonmaker of the mid-18th century, and went in to partnership with his brother in 1759. Many of the later premier spoonmakers were apprenticed to Thomas and included William Fearn, William Sumner, George Smith III and Thomas Northcote. The partnership ended in 1768.