.jpg?maxwidth=3840)
Lot 311 THE BENSON COLLECTION
(LOTS 301-340)
(LOTS 301-340)
AN EDWARD II SILVER ACORN-KNOP SPOON
CIRCA 1300
Closed4 June 2013
Price Realised
GBP 22,500
More Information
Specialist note
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.'
THE BENSON 'ROTHER GROUP' SPOONS
This spoon, as well as the two previous lots, are of a form collectively known as the 'Rother Group', after the Rother River where they were believed to have been found. The river is known to have changed course during the winter of 1286-1287, when a great storm blocked its exit to the sea, and it is believed that the spoons were in the river prior to this date. Another spoon from this important group is in the collection of the British Museum (1965.0207.1).
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.'
THE BENSON 'ROTHER GROUP' SPOONS
This spoon, as well as the two previous lots, are of a form collectively known as the 'Rother Group', after the Rother River where they were believed to have been found. The river is known to have changed course during the winter of 1286-1287, when a great storm blocked its exit to the sea, and it is believed that the spoons were in the river prior to this date. Another spoon from this important group is in the collection of the British Museum (1965.0207.1).