Lion Sejant Spoon, Exeter 1600

A very rare West Country spoon dating from the late Elizabethan period. This spoon has an original cast and gilt example of the highly sought after lion sejant terminal. The face and mane of the lion can be made out and a sign of quality is the gap between front and hind legs (often this gap is not present). The spoon is in very good condition with a full and original bowl shape. Contemporary to manufacture engraved betrothal initials are located to the reverse of the bowl. The spoon has a good example of a crowned "X" town mark to the bowl (it has been struck twice) and two clear maker's marks to the reverse stem - "B" over "W" - see West Country Silver Spoons & Their Makers" by Tim Kent for further information on this maker (pages 68-69).