William III/ Queen Anne Britannia silver dognose spoon, London, marked only with maker's mark of Francis Archbold. Circa 1700. Rare early spoon showing the transition of styles from the trefid to dognose. The dognose form is so called because of the shape of the end of the handle, also sometimes referred to as 'wavy end.' This example retains the broad, shallow bowl and ribbed rat tail of the earlier trefid form but without the characteristic notches in the terminal of the trefid. The higher Britannia standard of 95.84% pure silver was introduced in 1697 but is rarely found after 1730. The dognose form is rarely encountered after 1720. The smaller size of this tablespoon is unusual, only 7 inches in length. Engraved on reverse of handle with original owner's shaded block initials 'I*S'. Condition is generally very good with no repairs & no dings to the bowl. Some thinning to the edges of the bowl and wear to the rat tail. Struck only with maker's mark 'AR', which is worn but legible. This mark is distinctive because of the shape of the surrounding cartouche and the fact that the A is larger than the R that follows, with a fleur-de-lys device between the two letters. Grimwade reports that he was using this mark by 1697.

Antique Silver
Antique Sterling Silver