Spoon

Date1760-1780

Artist/Maker John Vaughan

MediumPewter

DimensionsOL: 8 3/16"; W (bowl): 1 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-1091

DescriptionSpoon: narrow oval bowl with "rat-tail" and rounded drop on back, flat stem with rounded end from which a rounded tip projects on each side (one at end missing).
Label TextThis spoon is of a strange hybrid type. In many ways, it harkens back to the late seventeenth century. It has a flat handle face with a shank of trapezoidal cross-section. There is an abrupt line of demarcation between stem and bowl. Even though the bowl is of relatively narrow and elongated oval outline, like those of most Hanoverian spoons, it has an uncharacteristic early rat-tail on its underside. Many of these are features that ally it to the trifid examples of the late seventeenth century.

A further spoon of this idiosyncratic type by John Vaughan, though with his twin portrait of King George III and Queen Charlotte, usually seen on Hanoverian tablespoons (CWF accession 1984-143), is part of the Port Collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

InscribedNone
MarkingsDe facto touch mark a label with "I·VAUGHAN" within an oblong rectangle on underside of handle (Cotterell 4863). Secondary marks (1) pascal lamb framed by "MADE·IN" within a curved reserve above, a pillar to either side, and "LONDON" below on underside of handle (Cotterell 4863) and (2) quality "X" with crown above on underside of handle.

ProvenanceVendor: A. V. Sutherland-Graeme, London