Live Auction 1126Centuries of Style
A HENRY IV SILVER RINGED ACORN-KNOP SPOON
Lot 316 THE BENSON COLLECTION
(LOTS 301-340)

A HENRY IV SILVER RINGED ACORN-KNOP SPOON

CIRCA 1400

Closed4 June 2013

Price Realised

GBP 13,750

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A HENRY IV SILVER RINGED ACORN-KNOP SPOON
CIRCA 1400
The fig-shaped bowl with slightly tapering facetted handle, terminating in a cast acorn finial with wreath or spiral-fluted ring below, the back of the bowl engraved with initials
6¼ in. (15.8 cm.) long
1 oz. (30 gr.)

Dr. Wilfred John Harris (d.1960), 74 Harley House, Marylebone Road, London, NW1.
Dr. W. Harris; Christie's, London, 19 June 1957, lot 103, (£270 to How).
The Benson Collection.

Specialist note

Commander and Mrs. How suggest that this spoon is based on a baluster acorn knop such as one of first half of the 14th century (How, op. cit., vol. 1, p. 110) however it is also possible that the finial could be of heraldic form. This can be suggested based on the distinctive spiral-fluted ring which bears a striking resemblance to a torse or wreath, which is the twisted roll of fabric which is usually depicted below a crest in English heraldry.

Other spoons which were created specifically for an individual are known, such as a set of twelve spoons with cast owl finials, the owl being a rebus on the name Hugh Oldham, (How, op. cit. vol. I, p. 270) and the 'BW' spoon of 1494, offered here as lot 332.