InterestingApostle spoon - help indentifying maker and date?

[goargent]

Can anyone share their thoughts on the maker/age of this piece?
The design to the back is scrolling Shamrocks, the bowl bears a very worn hallmark to the front whcih may be a crowned Leapords head, or it could be a crowned harp.

I think it may be from around the early 1700's?
Thanks in Advance.

[goargent]

sorry, forgot to add the image of the mark to the bowl - could it be York? I am baffled!

[admin]

The BM is the British sponsor's mark of Berthold Muller, an importer of German made silver. The other mark is shown on side, when viewed upright it is the Gothic N maker's mark of Neresheimer of Hanau, Germany. It is slightly double stamped so a little difficult to read. Your spoon would date to the very late 19th century at its earliest. If you search the forum for Neresheimer, you will find a fair amount of info on the firm.

Regards, Tom

[blakstone]

Fun fact: The finial here depicts Saint Eligius (French: St. Eloi) patron saint of goldsmiths. He is traditionally shown thus, as a bishop with his mitre and crozier, and holding a miniature church in his right hand. The church is of chased gold (figuratively speaking), representing both his talents as a goldsmith and the many churches he founded as a missionary.

[goargent]

Thanks everyone, i am learning everyday!