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In this Forum we discuss the silver of the United Kingdom, as well as British Colonial silver and Old Sheffield Plate. Past British - Irish Sterling topics/threads worth a look. |
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British / Irish Sterling Picture Front Spoons
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Author | Topic: Picture Front Spoons |
agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 06-20-2016 08:24 AM
I thought I might share another small group of 18th century spoons that I have collected over the years: picture front teaspoons. You will often see them referred to as cast spoons but I believe that in fact their decoration was normally die-stamped. I have yet to come across a reference book that is much help in identifying the subjects of these picture fronts. The catalogue for the sale of a collection two or more decades ago was quite useful but I now can’t remember the date or the auction house to try and track it down again. Perhaps one of you will be able to help, or to put me right if I have got anything wrong in my comments on the spoons that follow. The next example is a little later, perhaps c.1760. The maker’s mark is too worn to be identified. It is not always humans or gods. As you can see, I have simply picked up examples that interest me without worrying too much about marks or condition. I have several more spoons in this group which can follow when I next find a few minutes to compose a post. PS Sorry about the varying quality and size of the pictures. It doesn't matter how clever the technology of photography has become, I seem to be able to defeat it. [This message has been edited by agphile (edited 06-20-2016).] IP: Logged |
asheland Posts: 935 |
posted 06-20-2016 10:26 AM
I also believe those to be die stamped rather than cast. Great spoons! IP: Logged |
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11573 |
posted 06-20-2016 11:35 AM
"...die stamped rather than cast...." Its difficult to tell from a photo. I suspect: IP: Logged |
agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 06-22-2016 08:18 AM
Thanks for the comments. On the question of die-stamped or cast, I have for years simply assumed that most of these spoons are stamped, shaking my head sadly at the ignorance of dealers who choose to describe them as cast. However, I have to agree it is difficult to be certain much of the time, even more so when relying on a photo rather than the actual spoon, so I thought I had better hunt round for an expert view. I remembered that some of my early picture front acquisitions matched spoons illustrated in “English Silver Spoons” by Michael Snodin. Incidentally, I think this is probably still the best introductory guide for the English spoon collector. Second hand copies are available very cheaply in the UK. Anyhow, I looked up my Snodin, which had been untouched for years. He illustrates four picture fronts, describing three of them as stamped and one as stamped or cast. One of those he describes as stamped is identical to the one I identified as a phoenix in my original post, but he calls it an eagle. Who am I to argue with him? I guess he is responsible for “stamped” becoming my default view from the outset. I wouldn’t want to argue the case for any particular spoon but, looking at all my examples, I remain of the view that most were probably die-stamped. Let me get back to the spoons and show a few more deities. Flora (or possibly Ceres but I would expect wheat sheaves rather than flowers for the Goddess of Harvest). By Thomas Jackson I, London, c.1750. Neptune (or, at least, a figure holding a trident) by George Smith II, London, c.1760. Apollo (identified by his halo and the bow he is holding) by Jeremiah King, London, c.1745. I’ll follow up with a few more examples when I next get a moment. IP: Logged |
asheland Posts: 935 |
posted 06-22-2016 10:43 AM
Great spoons as always! I have a copy of that book, it's a great reference for the price. Those spoons also (appear) to be stamped. The silversmith members here may have an opinion, too. Great spoons regardless! IP: Logged |
agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 06-24-2016 09:28 AM
Well, a majority of British voters have opted to stampede for the cliff edge. To take my mind of things, I return to my picture front spoons. Next up some cherubs or Cupids.
From left to right: Cupid. You may just be able to see the small wing behind his shoulder. Marked with London lion passant and a maker’s mark too worn to decipher. I think possibly c.1760-70. Note the way the edge of the stem has been shaped round the decorative scrolls. A cherub, c.1750, maker’s mark WC. Snodin illustrates an identical spoon by the same maker and describes the figure as Cupid. I have chosen to say cherub because I think Cupid is usually shown with wings. This is the spoon where Snodin was unsure whether the stem design had been stamped or cast. Snodin also suggests that the rare acorn shaped bowl had Jacobite significance, something I was more dismissive of in an earlier post. I have only come across these acorn bowls on picture front spoons, with no obvious link to any specific picture. The fact that they only appear on these more decorative spoons is what makes me suspect that they may just be a decorative quirk. However, I may just be reacting against a wider romantic tendency when describing 18th century antiques to imagine all sorts of unlikely Jacobite symbolism (or indeed a commercial tendency if “Jacobite” inflates the price). Lastly, another cherub, I think from the same die as the previous spoon. This time the spoon is unmarked and I think it may be a little later, say c.1760, partly because of its slimmer proportions. The outside edges of the scrolls surrounding the cherub seem ever so slightly trimmed as a result. I shall pause for breath but shall come back later with just a few more examples. IP: Logged |
asheland Posts: 935 |
posted 06-24-2016 10:45 AM
Lovely spoons as usual! Keep them coming! IP: Logged |
ahwt Posts: 2377 |
posted 06-24-2016 11:28 PM
What difference does it make if the spoons were cast or die stamps? They are all wonderful examples of days gone past. Thanks for sharing your spoons with us. IP: Logged |
Polly Posts: 1971 |
posted 06-25-2016 08:45 PM
Thank you, as always, for the informative and interesting posts. Great spoons. IP: Logged |
agphile Posts: 798 |
posted 07-10-2016 05:25 PM
Sorry for the long delay in acknowledging the kind words. Not so much that I have been genuinely busy: more that I have allowed various other preoccupations to expand into the available time. Anyhow, back to my picture fronts. This is a group of three mask fronts. From left to right: A Satyr’s head by Hester Bateman, silver gilt, circa 1780. As is typical, marked only with lion passant and maker’s mark. Less typical is the detail of the decoration and the shape of the stem which lead me to think it is later than the other examples I have. The circa 1780 date is supported by the mark appearing to be the one entered by Hester in 1778 while the spoon is bottom marked and hence prior to 1781. Next, a small mask above an acanthus leaf. The mask too worn to say whether it represents any particular being. Unidentified maker’s mark only, struck twice, (I?)N or N(I?), circa 1760. Lastly, a larger mask among scrolls and shells, less worn but I am still unclear who or what, if anything it represents. Lion passant and maker’s mark only for John Mackfarlan, London 1739 (the year the mark was entered. Mackfarlan died the same year). [This message has been edited by agphile (edited 07-10-2016).] IP: Logged |
ahwt Posts: 2377 |
posted 07-10-2016 11:58 PM
Beautiful and mysterious decoration. Thanks for sharing. I would also like to say I really enjoyed seeing the Scottish Open today. The weather looked as good as the golf. IP: Logged |
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