Transitional Silver Dog Nose Table Spoon, 1701

This is a fine example of the old form of silver spoon with a flat stem. Dog nose spoons issued in a new era of spoonmaking with the stems tending to be more rounded and bowls more elongated, however a few examples were made that followed earlier principles and are more akin to the trefid spoon - they are generally termed as "transitional".

Another unusual feature compared to the majority of dog nose spoons, which have a plain rattail, is the bead decoration and ribbing along the length of the rattail; again drawing similarities with late 17th century trefid spoons. The reverse terminal bears original "S*D" engraved betrothal initials.

Dating from the final year of King William III's reign, this fine quality table spoon was made by the specialist spoonmaker William Matthews and bears a great set of Britannia Standard hallmarks including a super example of his complex New Standard "MA" maker's mark with stag surmount and mullet below. It is in excellent condition with a lovely antique patina. A really good spoon!