Lot 506
A GEORGE II HASH SPOON
WILLIAM DEMPSTER, EDINBURGH 1757
Scottish Silver & Applied Arts
Auction: 15 August 2018 at 11:00 BST
Description
Assay Master Hugh Gordon, of Hanoverian pattern with engraved crest to reverse of terminal, the bowl with chamfered drop and later armorial
Dimensions
36cm long, 6.2oz
Footnote
Heraldry:
with contemporary crest to reverse of terminal for the Whiteford family of Blairquhan and Ballochmyle. With additional later armorial to reverse of bowl for Lockhart.
Notes:
Originally made for Sir John Whiteford of Blairquhan, this spoon was likely inherited by his son and heir Sir John Whiteford of Ballochmyle. The younger Sir John was perhaps most famous as one of Robert Burns' earliest patrons.
Sir John Jnr and Robert Burns met when the latter was tenant at Mossgiel Farm near Ballochmyle. They served together as, the Master and the Depute Master of the St. James Masonic Lodge, where their friendship blossomed. Whiteford later helped Burns with introductions in Edinburgh after the poet moved to the city.
Although without conclusive proof, a case has been put forward that this close connection of Whiteford and Burns may suggest this spoon was used to serve Burns at one of the many meetings between him and his patron.
Reference:
'Reconstructing the Past through Material Culture: 'Facts', Imagination, Poetry - and a 1757 Silver Ragout Spoon from Edinburgh', K. Brown, History Scotland magazine, May/June 2013 issue.