Burnell and Rowe

Description

Here we have a fine quality George I Britannia Silver Table Spoon in the Hanoverian with Rat Tail pattern. The underside of the stem is engraved M P over I P over 1718.

Between 1696 and 1720, the long established 925/1000 grade Sterling Silver was replaced by the higher 958/1000 grade Britannia Silver. After this time, Sterling was reinstated as the UK standard with Britannia retained as an optional, though very rarely used, alternative.

The table spoon was made in London in 1719, so the engraving was obviously done a little after the event. Unfortunately only a ghost of the makers' mark remains after many years of polishing so we are unable to say who made it.

Condition is very good, with just a little rounding to the tip and the superficial surface wear that has to be expected after over 305 years of good service. Please make sure to view all the photographs.

The table spoon is 18.4cm / 7.2ins long and weighs in at a respectable 36.4g / 1.28oz of solid Britannia Silver (958/1000 grade).

The hallmarks are "bottom struck" on the underside of the stem and as is invariably the case in this period there is some distortion where the stem has been rehammered into shape. They show the Britannia mark for Britannia Silver, the lion's head assay mark for London and the date letter D for 1719. As mentioned above, there is just a ghost of the makers' mark, which we are unable to read.

Shipping in the UK is £12.50 by Royal Mail Special Delivery, which includes cover for the value of the spoon.
Overseas customers, please ask us about shipping costs to your country before making a purchase.