Charles I silver seal-top spoon. Maker Edward Hole.

Very collectable Charles I sterling silver seal-top spoon of particularly good gauge, size and form and with a pleasing patina. London 1631 by Edward Hole. The finial was originally gilt and still has traces of gilding visible. The contemporary initials M over EP are pricked on the finials flat top. As was customary with spoons made in London, the finial is joined to the hexagonal stem with a v join and this is very clearly visible on both sides. All the hallmarks are extremely crisp. The London town mark is struck in the front of the fig-shaped bowl, while the date mark for 1631, the lion passant and the makers mark are all struck very clearly at the base of the reverse of the stem.



The earliest recorded English seal-top spoon was circa 1525 but the majority of these spoons were made in the 17th century and their manufacture faded out by the end of that century. The finial was never intended to be used as a seal. Edward Hole, (usually spelt Holles in the Court Books) was born in Castle Cary, Somerset. However, he was a London silversmith and was one of the most prolific spoonmakers of all.



Length: 6.70 inches (17.02 cm )