Apostle spoon

An apostle spoon is a spoon (usually silver or silver-plated, but sometimes of other metals, such as pewter) with an image of an apostle or other saint as the termination of the handle, each bearing his distinctive emblem. Apostle spoons were particularly popular prior to the Reformation. They symbolize the Last Supper of Christ in the company of the Apostles. Apostle spoons were especially popular in England, but were also found in large numbers in Germany.[1][2]

Apostle Spoons - L to R - Andrew, Bartholomew, Mathew, Thomas
A set of Apostle spoons
The handle of an Apostle spoon

Origins

Originating in early-fifteenth century in Europe as spoons used at table (often produced in sets of thirteen, the thirteenth, showing Jesus, usually being referred to as the 'Saviour' or 'Master' spoon). The British Museum in London has a set from England dating from 1536–7 which has a figure of the Virgin Mary on the thirteenth spoon.[3] By the sixteenth century they had become popular as baptismal presents for godchildren, but were dying out by the 1660s.[4] In some communities this tradition continued until at least the mid-twentieth century.

They first appeared as a bequest in the will of one Amy Brent who, in 1516, bequeathed "XIII sylver spones of J' hu and the XII Apostells." They are alluded to by the dramatists Ben Johnson, Thomas Middleton, Francis Beaumont, and John Fletcher. Shakespeare refers to it in Henry VIII, Act 5, Scene 3, where Cranmer declines to be sponsor for the infant Elizabeth because of his lack of money. King Henry banters him with "Come, come, my lord, you'ld spare your spoons." [5]

Sets of the twelve apostles are not common, and complete sets of thirteen, with the figure of Jesus on a larger spoon, are still rarer.[6]

The spoon shown opposite is typical of single spoons not part of a set. In this case the apostle is simply holding what appears to be a book. Such examples would typically be in electroplated nickel silver and marked on the rear face with "EPNS."

Attributes

The identity of the Apostle can be known by the attribute mentioned in the following list:

References and sources
References
  1. T. Wilson, 'Spoons with a Taste of History', British Museum Society Bulletin, 46 (July 1984), pp. 24–2
  2. Fleming, John & Hugh Honour. (1977) The Penguin Dictionary of Decorative Arts. London: Allen Lane, p. 27. ISBN 0713909412
  3. Set of silver 'Apostle' spoons on the British Museum website
  4. Chisholm 1911.
  5. Coleman 1907.
  6.  One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Apostle Spoons". Encyclopædia Britannica. 2 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 199.

Sources:

Further reading
  • Cripps, W.J. Old English Plate, 9th ed., 1906.
  • Hone, William. The Everyday Book and Table Book, 1831.
  • Rupert, C.G. Apostle Spoons. Oxford, 1929.
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