Which Apostle Is This?

[gjg64]

Could I have opinions on which Apostle this is? He's on an 1896 London spoon by Richard Stebbings. I think it is James the Major with the staff and book, but it could also be James the Minor, as well as Mathias or Matthew.....any thoughts?
Many thanks.



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[dognose]

Hi,

Philip?

http://www.925-1000.com/silverglossary.html

Trev.
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[gjg64]

Thanks. I thought that it might be, but I think his staff should look more like a cross or T. To be honest, whatever he's holding, it looks like a sledgehammer.
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[MCB]

Hello,
The figures on top of my pair of apostle spoons are identical to the one you have. Because the rectangular feature above the saint's right hand looked to me like an axe head and the feature below his hand curves slightly and widens I took this to be the axe shaft. That made me believe the figures were of St Matthew. If an illustration of a fuller's bat ever comes my way though they might be re-named St James the Lesser!
Mike
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[gjg64]

Thanks for that. You're correct that the handle is very much like an ax handle and that was my first thought. I guess the silversmiths took considerable liberties with their hand tools.
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