Rare Rattail Front Dog Nose Table Spoon, 1715

This is an extremely rare form of silver table spoon - a dog nose spoon with the added feature of a rib or rattail down the centre of the front stem. 

Dating from the early period of George I's reign, this spoon is a relatively late example of a dog nose and it may be the ribbing to the front is a transitional form to the newly introduced Hanoverian pattern which has a central ridge to the front stem. The spoon was made by the specialist spoonmaker William Scarlett and is stamped with Britannia standard London hallmarks, which although a little rubbed are still easily legible.

The condition is excellent with original "E*S" engraved ownership initials to the reverse terminal, a good unworn bowl, strong rattail to bowl reverse and lovely antique patina. A fabulous example of a very rare spoon!

Another example hallmarked for London 1714 is illustrated in "Old Silver Spoons of England" by Norman Gask on plate XXVII (page 155).