Stuart, Restored (1660-1714), Restoration 'Pied de Biche' Silver 'Rat-Tail' Trefid Spoon, 1661/2 [D]; by 'CC'; London, 52.05g [1.8370 oz]; (Jackson's, English Goldsmith's and their Makers Marks, 1905, pp. 84), lightly pricked TAA, simplified 'rat tail' decoration supporting bowl, cleaned and mottled retone, otherwise very fine.
Provenance,
The Robert P Ball Collection of English Silverware
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Silver spoons first came to Britain with the Romans, however, the Trefid style developed in France during the 17th Century. The French know it as 'Pied de Biche' ["Deer's foot"]. Charles II whilst in exile grew accustom to that fashion, and quickly popularised it in England upon his Restoration in 1660. Trefids are termed 'the French Fashion Spoons', and the style spread very quickly throughout the United Kingdom; in part due to the British people who took their old spoons to the silversmiths to have them melted and made into the new trefid style – that is if they could afford it.
Estimate: £100 - £150