Quick stupid question! 1 set 2 diff. date letters

[madameroach]

Please forgive me I am new at all this.........
I acquired a 13pc set of Elklington & Co. sterling tea caddy spoons ( i figured that much out on my own at least!). Half the spoons have a "K" date letter and the other half have a "n" date letter.
All spoons appear to be the exact same! Is there any other reason other than the replacement of lost spoons that this set would have 2 different date letters?

[agphile]

Several possibilities. Somebody buys a set for 6 people, later decides that is not enough and increases it to serve 12. Or, and this is not unusual, a retailer regularly buys stock from the maker but combines it into sets to meet the varying wishes of customers. Batches of items from different years can get mixed up in this process.

[dognose]

Another often found reason is the division of silverware to the beneficiaries of a deceased's estate. A couple of dozen Kings pattern spoons, for example, acquired over two or three years, would simply be divided into the required quantity for sharing out.

Trev.

[madameroach]

Oh thank you guys so much for your input!

I did not mention, the spoons came in a leather case lined with velvet and an indented place for all 13 pieces.
I would imagine it was sold all together?

[Hose_dk]

No you buy a few pieces and plan to buy more. The box you get from the silversmith. I remember this from when I was a child in the 1960/1970 ties. We had boxes and slowly they where filled up one piece at a time - when finance allowed.

Not long ago I found 6 identical spoons. 2 was made before 1766 - silversmith active 1739 to 1766. The 4 was made by another silversmith active 1754 to 1782 (his wife continues until 1794). All 6 was given at a wedding in 1781. (prick engraving)
They had 2 spoons and wanted to give more so they had the 4 made. Maker was dead, but that did not matter - they found another maker. He copied the excisting shape and rat tail engraving.

Same matter with yours.

[dragonflywink]

Could be a variety of situations, the box could have been made later for the assembled pieces or, as mentioned, the set might have been assembled at the retail level from stock, I've seen this numerous times with various sets of British silver in fitted cases. I am very curious about a "13pc set of...tea caddy spoons" ~ could you post a picture?

~Cheryl

[madameroach]

Thank you all for helping me with my spoon mystery!

.....I am so sorry I do not have a scanner and cant post any pictures.....perhaps I need to ask for one for christmas!

Take care all.