Unknown makers mark on spoon

[techsol]

Hi All,

I have this large serving spoon with very worn hallmarks and later gilding, however the makers mark RM is still visible (please see image). I can't find a match and am beginning to doubt it is even British. Any help or thoughts gratefully received.

Regards,
Martin

[dognose]

Hi Martin,

Can you post an image of the whole spoon? It may provide some further clues.

Trev.

[techsol]

Hi Trev,

I have attached an image of the whole of the front of the spoon and also one of the rear where the stem joins the bowl. This join looks unusual to me and is making me think the spoon may be continental.

Regards,
Martin

[agphile]

I am afraid i don't recognise the mark. The bottom half of the spoon looks like an English Hanoverian spoon. That sort of double drop where the stem joins the bowl is not unusual around the 1740s or a bit either side. I don't know whether it was used elsewhere as well. However, the top of the stem has an out of period dognose shape surmounted by a finial that looks to me like a later addition. So, it may be British originally but have been subjected to alteration here or abroad at some stage.