(_For the Mirror_.)
Spoons are objects of great antiquity, and our forefathers bestowed
great pains in enriching them with masterly workmanship. So much
did _taste_ and fashion rule the time then, that spoons were
distinguished as it were by so many devices. It was, and is still with
some persons, a custom to present spoons at christenings, or on visiting
"the lady in the straw;" and in both cases they were adorned with
suitable imagery. A gentleman with whom I am acquainted, and who "keeps
a cabinet of curiosities," lately showed me two very curious silver
spoons, which he informed me had remained in his family many years; but
how they became possessed of them, he could only say that he attributed
it to the custom of presenting spoons on certain occasions. One was
beautifully wrought; the bowl was very large, and its edges carved with
exquisite workmanship. In the middle of the bowl was a representation
of "the nativity," carved in so masterly a manner, that, although it
was considerably defaced, it must have required the ablest artists to
accomplish. The handle, which was likewise superbly carved, ended in a
figure of the Virgin Mary, with our Saviour in her lap. The other spoon
was so much injured, that we could trace out nothing decisive; although
here and there we could perceive it had been richly ornamented.
The same gentleman also showed me a set of Apostle-spoons, which,
although objects of curiosity, had, in conformity with the prevailing
fashion, undergone the alteration of the silversmith. There were twelve
of them, each of which represented an Apostle, boldly carved on the
handle; a large round hat is placed on each of their heads, which was
probably to save the features from being injured. They are standing on
the stem of the spoon, which is carved somewhat like a Doric pillar. The
bowls are very large and deep, and are rather awkwardly turned in at the
sides. A complete set, in good condition, is very rare and valuable; and
it is to be regretted that so many of these relics have fallen into the
silversmith's furnace, merely for the sake of their silver.
Apostle-spoons were presented by sponsors or visiters at christenings
and at marriages; and those who could not afford a complete set, gave
one or two, as their circumstances might permit. Some presented a spoon
with the figure of the saint after whom the child was baptized, or to
whom it was dedicated. In his "Bartholomew Fair," Ben Jonson has a
character to say, "And all this for a couple of apostle-spoons and a
cup to eat caudle in." Likewise in the "Noble Gentleman," by Beaumont
and Fletcher,
"I'll be a gossip, Bewford--
I have an odd apostle-spoon."
In "The Gossips," a poem, by Shipman, in 1666, there is the following
mention of the custom of presenting apostle-spoons at christenings,
which it appears was then on the decline:--
"_Formerly_, when they used to troul
Gilt bowls of sack, they gave the bowl
Two _spoons_ at least--an _use ill kept_;
'Tis well if now our own be left."
On St. Paul's, or any other apostle's day, it was usual for persons
of quality to send round a present of a spoon with the figure of
such apostle to their friends. In some Catholic families these and
the before-mentioned customs are still retained, though I question
whether the spoons are enriched with such superb workmanship.