Onslow Feather-edge Silver Table Spoon, 1782

This is a handsome Georgian silver table spoon in the sought after Onslow pattern with the addition of bright-cut feather edging along the handle.

The spoon was made by the premier specialist spoonmaker George Smith III and bears a clear set of hallmarks for London 1782. It is in excellent condition with good, crisp decoration, original bowl-shape and fine, antique patina.

Of all the major flatware patterns of the Georgian period, Onslow pattern remains left-field. It was named in honour of the famous Speaker of the House, was produced intermittently from the middle of the 18th century and tends to be mostly found in the form of spoons and serving items. It is unusual in that it was made in two pieces; the cast, scroll terminal was applied to the shank of the spoon by way of a scarf joint (a longitudinal overlap of the two sections being joined). The addition of the feather-edging is a rare variant.