Spoon

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This large silver spoon is known as a dividing spoon, a type of spoon used to strain gravy. It was made by Aberdeen silversmith James Erskine, in the late 18th century.

The spoon has a perforated division in the bowl for straining gravy. The spoon is fashioned in the 'Old English' pattern with a downturned end. The end is inscribed with a palm branch.

With the development of increasingly sophisticated eating habits, especially from the 18th century onwards, more items were required for the dinner table and these were made in an increasingly diverse range of patterns.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-000-937-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MEQ 510
• Date: Late 18th century
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: I E; thistle; cockerel; on end: branch of palm slipped proper / ORNATUR RADIX FRONDE
  Spoon, gravy straining
  
• Dimensions: 330 mm L x 55 mm bowl W
  
• What: Spoon, gravy straining
  
• Subject: Gold and silver (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: James Erskine (?), Aberdeen (Silversmith)
  Mathers-Murray Thomson Collection
  
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver gravy straining spoon with an Old English end, by I.E., possibly James Erskine, Aberdeen, inscribed "Ornatur Radix Fronde" with a branch of palm slipped proper on the end
  
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