Rare Lady Silversmith Silver Trefid Spoon, 1691

Seventeenth century and earlier silver spoons made by lady silversmiths are almost unheard, but there was one maker - Dorothy Grant - the creator of this very rare spoon!

Dorothy Grant was the widow of William Grant who died in 1676 and her DG maker's mark is displayed in a widow's lozenge. She continued to successfully run the family business for thirty-six years, and even took on and trained five apprentices, until her death in 1712. She was not a specialist spoonmaker as the company also produced hollowware such as tankards, but spoons were evidently part of their portfolio and generally those found date from the early 18th century, making this example a rare 17th century survivor.

This William III & Mary II period silver trefid spoon is very typical for the period and has a great set of hallmarks. The rattail to the reverse of the bowl has the attractive additional feature of a reeded surround and the reverse terminal is engraved with contemporary to manufacture initials "K*M". The spoon is in excellent all round condition with an unworn bowl and antique patina.