Six identical silver plated Apostle demitasse spoons manufactured with the EPNS mark behind the stem. Each spoon 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.
These spoons come in their original red faux reptile clad presentation box with white and red satin liner and a frontal clip.
The spoons are stamped on the stems EPNS. The box is labelled Forsyth & Co (Pty) Ltd Pietermaritzburg The Leading Jewellers.
The items are in very good condition and come with a Sipelia polishing cloth.
Box height: 2.2 cm, Length: 16.5 cm, Width without clip: 13.8 cm Spoon length: 10.3 cm
