Caduceus-style Silver Caddy Spoon 1848 Francis Clark

This is a very rare silver caddy spoon with an unusual handle formed in a similar vein to the caduceus.

The spoon is made by the little-known Birmingham silversmith Francis Clark and is in lovely crisp condition. The bowl is prettily engraved and even includes a plain, oblong cartouche for the hallmark. The hollow handle is an especially attractive feature with a tendril entwining a central stem.

The caduceus is the staff carried by Hermes, the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology and with its two snakes and wings is now used as a symbol of medicine.