Wm Ring Seal Top Spoon, 1641

This is a great example of a mid-17th century seal top silver spoon with a "Salisbury B" cast terminal. This decorative casting with etched decoration was made in the Salisbury area as described by Tim Kent on page 14 of "West Country Silver Spoons & Their Makers 1550-1750". The spoon bears the clear "WR" conjoined mark within the bowl that belonged to William Ring of Shaftesbury (see M.30 in the same book). Shaftesbury is just 20 miles distant from Salisbury and it is likely that the maker bought in the seal from a specialist workshop.

This seal top spoon is in excellent condition. It has a good unworn bowl and the gilt seal terminal retains its decoration. The original dated betrothal initials are clearly dot-pricked to the flat plate and help accurately date the spoon to circa 1640. An excellent spoon!