Northwestern Europe, England, London, ca. 1764 CE. A fine sterling silver meat skewer with a decorative scallop shell just below the ring handle. The thick blade tapers to a pointed tip, perfect for holding meat joints together while cutting and adding a bit of ornamentation to the platter. The upper blade is engraved on one side with a faint tree motif, and the verso is stamped with 4 hallmarks. The stamps include the maker, the lion standard, the crowned leopard city mark for London, and the date letter. This piece is in fine condition, the size suggesting original use for a cut of meat rather than poultry. Today this skewer could be used as a letter opener! Size: 10" L x 0.75" W (25.4 cm x 1.9 cm); silver quality: 94%; weight: 74.8 grams
Provenance: private J. P. collection, Rye, Colorado, USA; ex-Bill Buffinger collection, Hollywood, California, USA, purchased March 7, 1998; ex-Mission Gallery
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#166216
Condition
The maker mark is illegible, but the other hallmarks are clear. Light age and use expected surface wear including scratches and tiny nicks. Intact and very good with some areas of dark toning in recessed stamps and shell grooves.