Cork Silver Straining Spoon

[scorpio]

I have wanted a Cork silver straining spoon for some time so finally got one. This fine straining spoon is by the Cork silversmith Joseph Gibson and dates to c.1790. It measures 31.5 cm (12 I/4 inches) and weighs 4.5 oz. It does not have a crest on the front side of the terminal but does have engraved initials on the reverse side R.A to M.A. Other Gibson spoons I own have initials on the front terminal but again no crest. Although it is a possibility, there is no evidence to suggest a crest was erased on this straining spoon. If there was a crest, why erase it and then engrave the initials on the reverse side.

This is a lovely crisp Gibson mark and the STERLING mark is rectangular with inside serrated edges unlike the plain rectangular STERLING mark on two Gibson tablespoons I have. I don't know which mark came first, plain or serrated. If anyone knows, please advise. I'll try and take a better photo of the hallmarks later as the one below did not come out as well as I would have liked.





Gordon

[dognose]

Hi Gordon,

It's another great example, thank you for sharing the images. You have a very good eye indeed.

As for which mark was used first, I doubt we'll know the answer to that unless we see pieces with dated inscriptions engraved upon them so that comparisons can be made. But thanks to people like yourself that post images of their collections, we all learn a little more.

Trev.

[scorpio]

Thanks Trev. It is a lovely heavy gauge spoon. As yet, I cannot find a serrated STERLING mark on any of Gibson's other silverware, all have a plain rectangular mark, but I'll make some enquiries and keep looking.

Best wishes,

Gordon

[Argentum]

Indeed, a very nice item