1890 British Sterling Silver Spoon "Bessie"

Silver : Antique : Spoons : British

 

Engraved "Bessie" and '90, this is a dainty sterling silver spoon, perhaps a baby spoon. It measures 4 inches in length and has an elaborate design with a flower on the handle. Ribbed bowl adds to the richness of this lovely item. Marked sterling on the back with a lion, an anchor and a "B" with the number 18. I understand that the lion passant (walking) is a symbol for 925 and the anchor is a hallmark for Birmingham. The "B" should be a date letter but the font doesn't correspond to any of the Birmingham fonts I've found thus far. In fact, the font corresponds more closely with the Chester date marks circa 1900-1905. However, this spoon is engraved with '90 for 1890, so there's at least a definitive clue about the age. Beautiful spoon in really excellent condition.

Item ID: VIN936