Irish Straining Spoon, 1763

A fine and early example of an Irish silver strainer spoon. This 12" long spoon retains its original fitted strainer to the bowl and has an engraved crest of a griffin to the front terminal. The spoon is an early example of Old English pattern and has the unusual feature of "shoulders" towards the junction with the bowl - these were not generally not seen on English flatware until the 1770's. The spoon has a good set of hallmarks for the highly regarded silversmith, Christopher Skinner and is in excellent condition with nice patina.