Rattail Silver Mote Spoon, 1730 by IH
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Mote Spoon - Rat-tail pattern - London circa 1730 by Joseph Healy - 13.5cm long - CC/3417b
This is a good example of an early 18th century antique silver mote spoon dating from around 1730. The rattail extension to the back of the bowl helps date this Georgian spoon to the 1715-1730 period and the style of piercing suggests the latter end of those dates. The shank of the spoon is appropriately hallmarked with a lion passant and "IH" makers mark which is most likely for Joseph Healy.
The pierced bowl was for skimming dust motes from the surface of a cup of tea (a common problem for tea drinkers at a time when the product was carried in wooden chests) and a long tapering stem to enable the unblocking of teapot spouts.
The spoon is in fine, original condition.
