A Collector's Guide to the Types of Antique Silver Spoons
Silver spoons have been an integral part of domestic life for centuries — not only as utensils but also as symbols of wealth, status, and fine craftsmanship. For collectors, they offer a tangible connection to history, and an endless variety of forms, patterns, and purposes to explore.
In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into the most collectible types of antique silver spoons, what distinguishes them, and what makes them special in a curated collection.
1. Teaspoons
Era: 18th century onward
Purpose: Used for stirring tea and other light refreshments
Why Collect: Often sold in sets, teaspoons are a gateway into silver collecting. Georgian teaspoons in Old English patterns are particularly desirable. Watch for engraved monograms, crest engravings, and complete hallmark sets.
2. Tablespoons / Serving Spoons
Era: 17th–20th centuries
Purpose: Larger spoons used for serving or dining
Why Collect: Early tablespoons, especially trefid or dognose styles from the late 1600s to early 1700s, are highly sought after. Look for wear to the bowl and clear hallmarks. Some late 18th-century examples are elegantly plain; others, from the Victorian era, may be ornately decorated.
3. Salt Spoons
Era: 18th–20th centuries
Purpose: For spooning salt from open cellars before the advent of salt shakers
Why Collect: Small but delightful, often featuring scalloped or shell-shaped bowls. Early examples may be parcel gilt (gilded interiors to resist corrosion) and often survive as singles.
4. Dessert Spoons
Era: Georgian and Victorian
Purpose: Slightly smaller than tablespoons, used for puddings and fruit
Why Collect: Typically found in sets and often more decorative than dinner spoons. Watch for matched sets with matching hallmarks — highly desirable.
5. Caddy Spoons
Era: Late 18th century onward
Purpose: Used for scooping loose tea leaves from a tea caddy
Why Collect: One of the most collected types of antique spoon due to their creative variety. Often shaped like leaves, shells, shovels, or hearts. Many were engraved or repoussé decorated. A must-have for spoon enthusiasts.
6. Marrow Scoops
Era: 18th–19th centuries
Purpose: Designed to extract marrow from bones, often served at the Georgian table
Why Collect: Unusual and elegant. Typically double-ended with long, narrow bowls. Rare to find in perfect condition due to the thin edges. Often gifted or monogrammed.
7. Mustard Spoons
Era: 18th–19th centuries
Purpose: For serving mustard from pots or jars
Why Collect: Typically small, with oval or round bowls. Gilded interiors are common due to mustard's acidity. Often confused with salt spoons, but usually slightly longer.
8. Apostle Spoons
Era: 16th–17th century origins, popular again in the Victorian era
Purpose: Initially gifts, later revived as novelty or commemorative pieces
Why Collect: Characterised by finials depicting the apostles or saints. Tudor examples are museum-worthy; Victorian sets are more accessible and still beautifully made.
9. Stilton / Cheese Spoons
Era: 19th–early 20th centuries
Purpose: For serving soft or crumbly cheese like Stilton
Why Collect: Wide, short bowls and flat handles. Quirky and specific — a perfect gift or talking point for collectors.
10. Medicine Spoons
Era: Victorian period
Purpose: For administering doses of medicine
Why Collect: Often have unusual double-bowls or measurement markings. Some are engraved with pharmacy or chemist names — unique insight into domestic health care history.
Bonus: Commemorative & Presentation Spoons
Purpose: Marking births, coronations, weddings, and other events
Why Collect: These often feature exceptional engraving or embossing, and can be linked to specific historical moments. Some Victorian christening spoons are exquisitely made and can be found in fitted cases.
Tips for Collecting Antique Silver Spoons
- Look for full hallmark sets. British silver is generally easy to date and verify thanks to its strict hallmarking system
- Examine wear patterns. Authentic pieces may show signs of use but should retain legibility in marks and detail
- Build a theme. Whether it's by type, maker, era, or country, a focused collection tends to have more value (both monetary and aesthetic)
- Beware of fakes. Especially with caddy spoons and apostle spoons. Verify with trusted dealers or subscription services that provide authenticity guarantees
Why Silver Spoons Are Worth Collecting
They may be small, but antique silver spoons open a world of collecting possibilities. Their diversity in form and function means you'll never get bored — and they're a wonderfully tactile link to the lives and habits of those who came before us.
For those seeking to start or grow their spoon collection with confidence, our Wrekin Collection membership offers curated silver selected by a qualified valuer (MNAVA), delivered monthly — complete with provenance, hallmarks, and history in every box.