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Hi All
I am trying to identify where this teaspoon was made and if possible who the maker might be. The shape of the spoon is typical English Hanoverian and I would say it dates 1740/50. However - the front of the stem has a reeded edge and there is a moulded leaf? design at the end of the handle and there is an engraved crest below this of a griffin emerging from a crown. There is a tapering groove all the way down the back of the stem and hence no space for hallmarks. There is a maker's mark only, stamped to the drop on the back of the bowl - possibly IS below a crown. Hoping it may be English, but could be European. Many thanks!!

I’ve not seen this pattern before it’s an interesting spoon for sure. The family crest would indicate it was owned by a family in UK/Ireland but hopefully somebody much more knowledgeable will help further. The position of the makers mark is unusual for a UK spoon too but then anything is possible.

Matt

Yes - it is the crest that mainly makes me inclined to think it is English. However there are also examples of decorated Hanoverian spoons with thread stems from 1st half 18th century, I think mainly by Huguenot silversmiths. I did wonder about John le Sage as he has marks IS below a crown, but none of his marks exactly match the mark on this spoon. As you say, hopefully, someone with more knowledge will help further.

John