Help finding history of a spoon

Curious76 · Post by **Curious76** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 10:08 pm

I have a spoon with the makers mark TR. I do not know who this is. Hallmark:Lion, left paw up-92.5% pure silver.
Sheaves of Corn-Assay-Chester Office
Capital Scrit 'G'-1732

The picture on the spoon, looks like enamle? It has St John the Baptist head on a platter, the date '1614', words 'ANNO DOMINI PENSANS' and 'PENZANCE'.

Anno Domini - A.D.
Pensans - 'Holy Headland'

What I am curious about is what does the spoon represent? I know in 1614 Charles II incorperated Penzance.

Why was the spoon realised?
What significance is St John's head on a platter?
What does the date 1614 represent?
Why was it made in 1732?
Who is TR?
Anything you can tell me, would be appreciated. I do have photo's, but I couldn't figure out how to upload them. I can email the to you if it will help.

Thank you

Waylander · Post by **Waylander** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 5:23 am

Call me a cynic, but might it be a "tourist spoon"? I.e. designed to be bought by pilgrims who visited the "Holy Headland"? (well, the wealthier ones anyway).

Waylander

Neruda · Post by **Neruda** » Sat Oct 15, 2005 11:28 am

I'm afraid I doubt your spoon dates to 1732. The enamel bowl does sound more like circa 1900. Also, I believe that the town mark for Chester until 1778 was a shield divided on the left with three lions and on the right with half of the three sheaves. Another point to check is whether the lion's head is facing you (pre-1818) or facing left (post-1818).
A capital G in script sounds more probable for 1907.