A MEDIEVAL SILVER ACORN-KNOP SPOON

Although they disagree as to the exact origin of this spoon; with Mrs. How suggesting that it '... may quite possibly have been made in Lincoln' (op. cit., vol. II, p. 402) and Constable advancing the theory that it may in fact be French; both How and Constable describe it as unique. The unusual feature being the triple pediment on which the finely tooled and gilded acorn knop rests.

It is generally suggested that the so called 'Coventry Acorn Knop Spoon', of circa 1300, which is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum (699-1902) is the earliest extant acorn knop spoon. However Constable, (op. cit., p. 27), suggests the date of c.12th-13th century for the present spoon, based on the shape and curve of the bowl, thus making a strong case that the present spoon should in fact be considered the earliest of this form.

ACORN KNOP SPOONS

The Acorn knop spoon is among the earliest form of post-Roman European spoon known, with examples dating predominantly from the beginning of the 14th century. Their importance to their early owners is shown by their appearance in wills. Timothy Kent in his introduction The Benson Collection of Early Silver Spoons, p. 3 cites the will of John de Halegh, proved in 1351, who bequeathed twelve spoons with 'akernes' to Thomas Taillour. John Botillor, a draper leaves his wife Isabella 'twelve best spoons with gilt acorns'