An exceptional early Queen Anne West Country Laceback Trefid Betrothal

This very special spoon is modelled in the trefid style and displays a large bowl with central rat tail surrounded by lace scroll work of distinctive West Country design, very different to that seen in London at this date. The top of the stem displays a set of betrothal initials in prick dot script above the date of the marriage - 1704. The top of the front of the stem displays exceptional lace work including scrolls, raying flower heads and most unusually the sun in full splendour, a very unusual decorative device. The spoon is in quite excellent condition, showing original hammer marks and a fine patina. It is very well marked with the maker's mark four times, as shown in Timothy Kent's "West Country Silver Spoons and their Marks 1550-1750", page 135. The gauge is also excellent, with a good large bowl with thick tip. The Sweet family were prolific spoon makers and Richard II was born in 1637. He was a colourful character and had a long working life. He died in September, 1718. Length: 7.9 inches 19.75 cm. Width, at the widest point across the bowl: 1.9 inches, 4.75 cm.

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