King's Lynn silver gilt apostle spoon

This spoon was made in King's Lynn by Thomas Cooke, one of three known goldsmiths working in the town in the sixteenth century. He was active from around 1578. This spoon was made in King's Lynn by Thomas Cooke, one of three known goldsmiths working in the town in the sixteenth century. He was active from around 1578.

At the time, people owned far fewer personal possessions than is usual today. A silver spoon, especially with areas of gilding like this one, was a sign of status. Cheaper spoons were made of pewter, horn, or wood. Surviving secular silver from before the English Civil War is rare, as most was melted down. Spoons were usually the first item ordered by anyone who could afford silver, and are more numerous than any other surviving item.

This is of a type known as an 'Apostle Spoon'. It portrays St Matthew who, as a tax collector, is distinguishable by the tiny money bag he is carrying. Someone named Matthew may have commissioned a single spoon depicting his patron saint. These spoons could also be ordered in a set of four, comprising the Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John or, for those with more money to spend, in a set of twelve, including all the Apostles.

Silver was frequently passed down through generations. The date on this spoon '1611' was added later and is not the date of its manufacture.