Newcastle Caddy Spoon by CJR

This is a very attractive silver caddy spoon with an enigmatic set of hallmarks.

The spoon has a gilt, fluted bowl set on an openwork handle which has been cleverly engraved to give an entwined tendril effect. It was made by Reid & Son the largest of the Newcastle silversmiths during the Victorian period and the CJR maker's mark is surmounted by the royal crown to show their "by appointment" status. The reverse side of the bowl features an excellent engraved crest depicting a griffin out of a coronet.

Newcastle Assay Office closed down in 1884 as a result of the reduced workload passing through the office and this may have coincided with the manufacture of this spoon and could account for the lack of a full set of marks - there is no town mark, nor maker's mark. Instead there is a French import mark dating to the latter part of the 19th century and an appropriate bigorne mark to the front.

This interesting tea caddy spoon is in fine condition.