St. Matthias Apostle Spoon, London 1620 James Cluatt
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Spoon - Apostle (St. Matthias) - London 1620 by James Cluatt - 18.5cm long; 43g - PE/5343
This is a fine example of a James I period silver apostle spoon by the specialist spoonmaker James Cluatt.
The cast finial is in the form of St Matthias as evidence by the diagnostic axe in his right hand. The figure is well-modelled with good detailing to the robe, is wearing a rayed nimbus and retains its original gilding. The original v-notch join to the stem is just visible (always a good sign!). The deep, fig-shaped bowl is in excellent condition with just a tiny, innocuous nick to the front rim and has a well-struck example of the leopard's head crowned. Additionally, there is a small engraved letter "I" adjacent to the stamp.
The top of the stem is engraved "1516" and if meant to be a date is obviously incorrect for the spoon's manufacture. It would most likely have been added during the 19th century when it was commonplace for collectors to catalogue there spoons by engraving thus - the Marquis of Breadalbane being the most notable culprit!
The spoon has an excellent set of hallmarks that include the "C" enclosing and "I" mark of the maker. James Cluatt was apprenticed to William Cawdell, the major spoonmaker of the late 16th/early 17th centuries and entered his mark in 1604. The overall condition of the spoon is excellent with a good patina.
