Early Sheffield Silver Caddy Spoon, 1783 NS&Co

This is a very unusual and early example of a Sheffield hallmarked silver caddy spoon.

The die-stamped caddy spoon has a very cleverly made handle with the fluting in the bowl continuing and looping around the axe-shaped handle with bead edge. The spoon was made by Nathaniel Smith & Company and is clearly hallmarked on either side of the bowl. Pre-dating the introduction of duty, this caddy spoon dates from the first decade of the Sheffield Assay Office. It is in fine, crisp condition.