Spoons have long formed a key part of the silver collector’s market. Whether they are drawn to a particular maker, period, or finial type, antique silver spoons - particularly early spoons - offer an accessible and deeply rewarding area of study. Their long history, functional beauty and strong survival rate make them ideal for both seasoned collectors and those new to historic silver.
Silver
The Spoon: A Guide to Early and Antique Silver Spoons
16 February 2026
Kier Alexander
Early Spoons and Ecclesiastical Use
Some of the earliest surviving spoons held a clear ecclesiastical purpose. A significant insight into early spoon forms comes from the Traprain Hoard, discovered in East Lothian in 1919. This remarkable find included a range of silverware dating to the fifth century AD, offering valuable evidence of early ceremonial and religious objects.
In the early 20th century, the Edinburgh firm Brook & Son was commissioned to replicate several pieces from the hoard, including the Pax Domini spoon. These reproductions highlight how early spoons were closely associated with religious ritual and symbolism, rather than purely domestic use.
Apostle Spoons and Christening Traditions
One of the most important ceremonial spoons is the anointing spoon, part of the Royal Collection (RCIN 31733). Dating from the 14th century, it is first recorded in 1349 among St Edward’s Regalia at Westminster Abbey and continues to be used in British coronation ceremonies.
The symbolism of this spoon influenced the tradition of apostle spoons, which became popular christening gifts from the late medieval period. Godparents would present a silver spoon topped with a figure of a saint often matching the child’s name. For example, a child named Simon would receive a St Simon apostle spoon.
Because these spoons were gifted individually, many 15th-century examples survive as single pieces rather than sets. Among the most commonly encountered saintly figures are St James and St John, reflecting their popularity in medieval devotion.
Spoons as Markers of Status
As everyday objects, spoons were often carried personally and used for all meals. The material of the spoon, particularly silver, became a visible marker of social status. This association gave rise to the phrase “born with a silver spoon in their mouth”, first recorded in English print in 1719 in Peter Anthony Motteux’s translation of Don Quixote. The phrase reflects how deeply silver spoons were linked with wealth and privilege.
Types of Early Silver Spoons
Antique silver spoons can often be dated by their terminal design:
- Seal-top spoons are the most common surviving type from the 16th and early 17th centuries. Named for their seal-like terminal, these were not used as seals, though many bear engraved initials of their owners.
- Slip-top spoons emerged in the early to mid-17th century, offering a more understated design.
- Trefid spoons became fashionable after the Commonwealth period, marked by their distinctive three-lobed terminal.
Rarity and Survival of Early Silver
The English Civil War had a dramatic impact on the survival of early silver. Vast quantities of silverware were melted down to fund the war effort, making pre-1650 silver spoons particularly scarce today.
The earliest spoon in this collection, dating to around circa 1450, is a fine example of early craftsmanship, simple, functional, and beautifully proportioned.
