A Fine 18th Century Silver Mote Spoon

Mote spoons were 18th Century table items for collecting tea-leaves (motes) from un-strained tea. The long handle with a pointed terminal was for unblocking the teapot spout when clogged with leaves (18th Century silver teapot primarily had straight spouts). The bowls were pierced to allow the liquid to flow through while retaining the tea leaves (motes).

These rare items are much sought after by collector's This lovely example has the traditional oval bowl with cross foliar piercing. The handle is straight and has a steeple finial at the terminal. Unusually, the reverse of the bowl has a rat-tail. Dimensions below.

Postage and packing :- £10.00 UK

£18.00 Europe

£54.00 USA (including US tariff)

£22.00 Outside Europe

Condition :- Excellent, with no splits or breaks.

Hallmarks :- Mote spoons were bottom struck (marks above the reverse of the bowl and only ever bear the Sterling Lion and the Maker's mark).

Date :- c1785.

Maker :- Samuel Godbehere.

Length :- 15 cms.

Width :- 2.3 cms.

Depth :- 1 cm.

Payment by BANK TRANSFER (preferred),DEBIT/CREDIT CARD, or PAYPAL. Great care is taken with packing and only 'signed for or tracked' postal options are used, where available. In the UK, Royal Mail Special Delivery is used, which is both fully insured against loss or damage and guaranteed next day (excluding weekends). If an item goes missing, or is damaged in the post, all available assistance will be offered to make a claim against the provider. Loss or damage in transit, is NOT the responsibility of the seller.

IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE. Due to the imposition by some countries of an import tariff - an additional charge may be required to prepay tax duty. Please be aware of this if purchasing from overseas. If this additional charge is not acceptable, please do not proceed with the purchase.

Returns are accepted if the item has undisclosed damage at point of sale, or has been seriously mis-described. Buyer pays all costs. If you are not certain that you will be completely happy with the item, please do not purchase it. Care has been taken to ensure that items are accurately described and photographed - if any further information is required please ask.

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Thank you for your interest.