Apostle Spoons


A full set of Apostle spoons will consist of thirteen spoons, usually silver, with a small figure of Jesus or one of the twelve apostles at the end of each stem. The apostles are distinguished from each other by their respective emblems - usually the instrument of their death. St Paul holds a sword, St Bartholomew a flaying knife, St Matthias an axe and St Simon a saw. When first made, an apostle spoon such as one made in 1647 by Thomas Dare of Somerset, England, would have cost 15 shillings (about $1) which was a lot of money at the time. This particular spoon depicts St Peter holding the keys to the gates of heaven and has the inscription that indicates ER was to marry TB. Today the spoon is valued at $7,200. The current record for a sale of a complete set of 13 apostle spoons is a staggering $390,000.

These spoons were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries as wedding or christening presents, the wealthy giving complete sets and others a small number or just one. It was a generous gift as the majority of spoons at this time were made of wood, few people being able to afford pewter or silver. It was also a very practical one as up until about 1670 people just used their fingers and a spoon at mealtimes. People were likely to carry their one and only spoon with them, wiping it between courses. It is unlikely that apostle spoons were in use much before 1500 - the oldest known example if from 1593.

Apostle spoons, as with all silver items, have been forged many times over the centuries. If you are checking authenticity, take a close look at the proportions of the spoon - a bowl that is too big for the stem should arouse your suspicions. Look also at the apostle figure which in fakes will often be poorly carved or not have the correct emblem. Finally if there is no wear at all around the edge of the bowl you may be looking at a fake - genuine articles will often show wear and tear.