Double Duty Caddy Spoon, Sheffield 1797

In 1797, the duty on silver was doubled to help pay for the Napoleonic Wars. Assay offices had different methods of showing when this had been paid whilst the current year letter was being used. Sheffield chose to strike the duty mark twice for the few weeks from 15th July until the end of August 1797. This silver caddy spoon is a great example of an item that bears the duty mark twice.

This spoon is typical of caddy spoons made in Sheffield. It has a double fluted bowl and a die-stamped handle with oval cartouche to the terminal. It is in excellent condition with clear hallmarks.