James I Silver Apostle Spoon, 1622, St. James The Lesser

This is a fine example of a James I period silver apostle spoon with a gilt, cast finial depicting St James the Lesser.

The spoon portrays all the features one would expect from an early 17th century apostle spoon – fig-shaped bowl, hexagonal stem and cast finial with v-notch join. The spoon was made by the specialist spoonmaker Daniel Cary who was apprenticed to Patrick Brue and went on to teach many fine spoonmakers of the future with his apprentices including John Saunders, John Feake, William Scarborough, William Cary and Stephen Venables.

The gilt finial shows St James the Lesser with a really clear example of his diagnostic fuller's bat and a sacred dove in relief to the nimbus. The bowl has a cleanly struck leopard’s head stamp and a good set of hallmarks to the reverse which include the “D” enclosing a “C” maker’s mark for Daniel Cary.

This apostle spoon is in fine condition with good detailing to the apostle (slightly bent nimbus) and a full-shape bowl.

Please see link below to a matching example from the same original set featuring St Bartholomew.