Spoon
Date1837-1860
Artist/Maker
Philip Ashberry
OriginEngland, Sheffield
MediumPewter
DimensionsOL: 8 3/8"; W (bowl): 1 3/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1984-158
DescriptionSpoonLabel TextThe most common spoons of the nineteenth century are those of this plain fiddle type with a broad spatulate shaping to the end of the handle and narrow angular shoulders or projections from the sides of the handle shank immediately above a bowl of egg-shaped outline. Phillip Ashberry, the maker of this spoon, commenced his career in Sheffield as a spoonmaker in 1829. During the ensuing decades, he not only produced a broad range of spoons and ladles, but also founded one of England's largest Britannia metal and electroplate manufactories. This spoon also features a wire insert in its stem for strengthening, as in Colonial Williamsburg's Thomas Yates spoon (accession 1984-159).
InscribedNone
MarkingsMaker's or retailer's mark the royal crown with "V" to the left and "R" to the right with "ASHBERRY'S/BEST METAL/WARRANTED/FOR USE" below within a shield on underside of handle (Scott 25).
ProvenanceEx Coll Fred Bishop Vellacott
Purchased from Robin Bellamy Antiques, Witney, Oxfordshire.
