Britannia Standard Table Spoon, 1721

Celebrating its 300th anniversary this year, this high quality, George I period silver table spoon was made in the purer Britannia form of silver (95.8% compared to 92.5% of Sterling standard) at a time when it had become optional to use either form. Consequently the silver hallmarks show the Britannia figure, lion's head erased (for London) and the initial two letters of the maker's surname - in this case the "St" mark of the spoonmaker William Street. 

This is a hefty spoon with a nice solid feel in the hand and the thick gauge has enabled the spoon to survive 300 years in fine condition - it still has a good bowl tip. The reverse of the handle terminal on this Hanoverian Rattail pattern spoon is engraved with a crest and the overall patina is excellent. A fine example of the type.