Description: W.G. Dickinson & Sons Sterling Silver (0.925) "The Bath Spoon", replica of a 2nd Century Roman artifact called a Cochlearium. Made for goldsmith and silversmith/retailer W.G. Dickinson in 1938 by Thomas Bradbury & Sons of Sheffield England. Interesting piece, of which replicas are still sold around Bath to this day. Patterned after a Roman spoon called a "Cochlearium" found locally in Bath, originally made of iron. The spoon was believed to be used for shellfish or snails, hence the name, with the bowl used for scooping the meat and the sharp pointed end used to open up shells or poke out the insides. They were also believed to be used as a unit of measure and also used to eat eggs, where the shells were perforated first with the spike to ward off "evil". The loop between the handle and the bowl was believed to be for decoration and is considered at the time one of the earliest examples, although it may have also had a practical purpose of adding leverage to assist with prying shells open or easier holding for measurements. Since the original discovery and making of this reproduction piece, several other Cochlearium spoons have been found across England including in Canterbury in 1962 (Buxtons "Wandering Spoon"), the Thetford hoard in 1979, and the Hoxne hoard in 1992. Comes in original faux lizard box with information insert. Box shows its age and is taped at the corners, insert is in good condition but with a crease. Spoon is in mint condition. Made in 1938 for W.G. Dickinson & Sons located in Bath by Thomas Bradbury & Sons from Sheffield, England Length: 4 3/8" (11.2cm) Length of bowl: 1 1/2" (3.8cm) Width of bowl: 1" (2.5cm) Length of handle: 2 7/8" (7.4cm) Weight: 10.5g Marks: Sheffield Crown, Lion Passant assayer mark (0.925), "V" date code (1938), "TB&S" Thomas Bradbury & Sons maker mark. Wooden Display Stand not included, used for aesthetics and to help hold the spoon for angled photos. Old Advert clipping (Image of link is attached as a picture) https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/M396751/Advertisement-for-a-replica-of-the-c-2nd-Century-Roman-Bath-Spoon-from-WG-Dickinson-Sons-goldsmiths-Bath-Somerset
Price: 100 USD
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
End Time: 2025-01-25T04:21:29.000Z
Shipping Cost: 10 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Brand: Thomas Bradbury and Sons
Composition: Sterling Silver (.925)
Style: Roman
Age: 1938
