Tea spoon (one of a set of four)

Probably 20th century

Measurements

5-1/8 in x 1 in x 1/2 in

Materials

Silver

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of Hugh R. Sharp Jr. and Bayard Sharp

Accession Number

1968.825

Inscription

The spoons have three hallmarks and a “TW” maker’s touchmark, separated by a “:”.  The hallmarks are similar to, but differ from, London hallmarks. The lion passant is in an ovoid shape, not a shield-like shape with a cusp in the center bottom.  The oval profile of George is not clear.  The “r” date letter is in a conforming oval rather than in a shield-like shape with a cusp in the center bottom.  The “TW” maker’s mark is similar to that of Thomas Wallis II (working 1785-1809).

Provenance

Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp

Comments

The set of four teaspoons has pointed oval bowls and long, slender handle shafts.  The spoons are of uncertain date and place of manufacture. None of the spoons exhibits much, if any, age.  The silver content has not been tested by quantitative x-ray fluorescence, which might help establish age.

The touchmarks, described under “Inscriptions,” are problematic.  The engraved decoration on the front of the rounded handle with downward-curved tip is also unusual.  It shows a “W” formed in open curlicues, unlike engraving of the late 19th century as suggested by the form of the spoon.  The W appears below a dog-like animal walking on a heraldic wreath, also uncharacteristic of period engraving.