Each of the items has an ornate embossed motif above the bowl as well as directly beneath the apostle figurine depicted at the handle top. Each is shown as holding a book, which is attributed to St. Paul, or a wallet, which is then attributed to St. Matthew. The apostle spoon has its history as having become a popular baptismal gift for godchildren in countries such as Germany and England during the 16th to 17th centuries. It is believed that the saying “born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth” originated from this custom. Apostle spoons are also known to have been mentioned in Shakespeare’s Henry VIII. The popularity of the spoon diminished during the pre-reformation period due to their being seen as icons, but during the Victorian era they made a return in popularity and were made smaller than the originals and used as tea and coffee spoons.
This boxed set consists of a butter knife, a sugar spoon, a jam spoon, 6 cake / pastry forks and 6 tea spoons. Although all the items in this set are identical, the back stamps on the items indicate that they are from different manufacturers. The green clad box with white and green satin liner and two brass frontal clips also do not seem original to the set, however makes for a lovely display of the set.
Some of the items are stamped on the stem EPNS Sheffield England, the other lot is stamped EPNS Made in Sheffield England. The jam spoon is stamped Chrome Plate. The box also has the original owners’ name inscribed on the inside of the box as well as dated.
The items will require a polishing, but aside from this is in very good condition.
Length of spoons: 11.5 cm,
Length of forks: 13.2 cm,
Length of butter knife: 14 cm,
Length of sugar spoon: 13.3 cm,
Length of jam spoon: 13.3 cm,
Box height: 3.8 cm, Length: 19.8 cm, Width without clips: 15 cm
