"Farmer George" spoon

Date1800-1820

MediumPewter

DimensionsOL: 7 7/16"; W (bowl): 1 9/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1988-402

Description"Farmer George" spoon
Label TextThis spoon depicts an older George III in simple dress as Farmer George. In his latter years, the king convalesced in the country, and he was noted for his interest in rural pursuits. As in a number of spoons of this period, the handle is quite flat, and it neither turns up nor down at the end. It has a rather short single drop on the bowl that was augmented with a superimposed narrow spline to derive some of the same benefit of the earlier rat-tail. The relief-cast initials "I·H" on the face of the handle appear on other surviving spoons with this portrait, and the question remains as to whom they relate.
InscribedInitials "I·H" cast in relief on upper face of spoon below portrait of George III.
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceJ.R. Franklin, Rowly, Cranleigh, Surrey.
Vendor: Robin Bellamy Antiques, Witney, Oxfordshire.