Description
Sterling Silver Salt Spoon
English antique sterling silver salt spoon by Thomas Dicks, hallmarked from London in 1819.
The very merest of bruises/flat spots to the underside centre of bowl.
Measures 100mm in length and the bowl measures 29mm across.
| DATE | 1819 |
| MAKER or SPONSOR MARK | Thomas Dicks |
| ASSAY OFFICE | London |
| WEIGHT (Grammes) | 12.6 |
| WEIGHT (Troy) | 0.40 |
| REF:- | 495Z |
After knives it is believed that spoons were the first utensils used by humans. The exact origins of the spoon are unknown although there is some evidence to suggest that Neanderthal culture may have developed rough spoon-like implements from animal bones.
The first spoons as we recognise them appeared in Ancient Egypt from perhaps 3,000 years ago. Ornate and made from ivory or slate they were probably only used in religious rites. However, the spoon has since become ubiquitous in nearly every food culture in the world.
There are many different uses for, and types of, spoon and, as with so many tableware items, their manufacture in silver pandered to the needs of the rich to show off their wealth.
Tudor England saw the introduction of spoons as a common Christening present among the rich another way to demonstrate one’s elevated social status. “Apostle Spoons” therefore became a common gift. Spoons became useful for serving food, condiments and preserves. They were used in the almost ritual-like making of a cup of tea (and still are today!).
