Description: This antique silver spoon is quite interesting. It is called "Apostle Spoon".

An apostle spoon is a spoon with an image of an apostle or other saint as the end of the handle, each bearing his distinctive emblem. Originating in early-fifteenth century in Europe as spoons used at table. By the sixteenth century they had become popular as baptismal presents for godchildren. In some communities this tradition continued until at least the mid-twentieth century. Apostle spoons were especially popular in England, but were also found in large numbers in Germany.

The spoon is made of solid silver and shows a figure of an Apostle that I identify as St.James - he is holding the pilgrim's staff in one hand and a fisherman's hat in another. I think the spoon was fully gilded originally. Now the gilt remains fully in the bowl. I think the spoon was made in mid-1700s, and the bowl was re-gilded in the 1800s and engraved with initials "A.H.C."

The spoon is marked with letter "D" which is the silver hallmark for the city of Dessau, an Eagle - the arms of the Princes of Anhalt-Dessau and the "S/T" mark that is the silversmith's mark. 

The spoon is in excellent condition with no breaks or repairs. It is 7.5" long and weights 2.2 oz or 62 grams.