Berry spoon
London, England
1820-1821
Maker
Possibly William Sumner and Richard Crossley (mark registered 1775)
Measurements
6-3/4 in x 1-3/8 in x 7/8 in
Materials
Silver
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, anonymous loan
Accession Number
2011.41
Inscription
An “e” date letter is stamped into the underside of the handle along with a leopard’s head and lion passant, representing London work. The initals “WS” above an illegible pair of initials are in relief within an indeterminately shaped panel. The hallmarks and maker’s mark are stamped into the narrow shaft. The silver distorted because the marks were struck on an angle.
Comments
The ornately crafted spoon has an engraved handle with a down-turned tip. An oval panel at the handle end appears never to have had an owner's initial engraved into it. The engraved decoration along the handle displays acanthus leaves leading to a series of dots decreasing in size. The spoon bowl has a shell-like edge enclosing fruits and leaves rendered in high relief. This repoussé work was first hammered to shape from the underside. The design was then sharpened from the top.
The spoon is similar to accession no. 2011.40.
