Spoons

The Anointing Spoon forms part of the Coronation Regalia. Holy oil is poured from the Ampulla, which is in the form of a gold eagle, into the spoon. This is then applied by the officiating Bishop or Archbishop to the new Sovereign's head, breast and palms. The spoon is 110mm long and is manufactured from a brass stem and bowl that is then gold plated.

It was customary in the Middle Ages, when travelling, to carry personal eating utensils as well as writing materials. Most letters and documents were sealed and it was for this purpose that spoons were often manufactured with the owner's seal on the end of the handle. This Elizabethan Seal Top Spoon depicts the full Tudor Rose. The spoon is 100mm long and is manufactured from a brass stem and bowl with the top cast in pewter. The spoon is silver plated and the top darkened to highlight the detail.

The seal is very similar to the Coat of Arms on a coin struck to commemorate the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots, to her cousin Lord Darnley in 1565. It was embossed with the arms of Scotland (lion rampant within a double-tressure glory and counter glory). The spoon is also decorated with the Thistle of Scotland. The spoon is 100mm long and is manufactured from a brass stem and bowl with the top cast in pewter. The spoon is silver plated and the top darkened to highlight the detail.

This beautiful reproduction spoon would have served as elegant and hard wearing tableware in Tudor times. The original was made in London 1500. This spoon would have been used by ships officers and also in the grand homes of the wealthy such as Hampton Court Palace. The spoon is 145mm long and is manufactured from traditional lead-free pewter.