SCARCE CHANNEL ISLANDS (JERSEY) STERLING SILVER TABLESPOON – c.1846–1873 – JOHN LE GALLAIS – 22.5 cm – ENGRAVED

Description

A scarce Channel Islands sterling silver tablespoon, made in Jersey by John Le Gallais, one of the last Jersey silversmiths to produce spoons.

According to published references, John Le Gallais worked from No. 2 Brook Street, St Helier, operating on his own from 1846 to 1873, having previously been in partnership with Thomas de Gruchy. He is known to have produced many tablespoons and teaspoons, as well as gold rings, and also overstruck English-assayed spoons during his working life.

This spoon is a true Jersey-made example, identifiable by the distinctive JLG maker’s mark, and belongs to a small and highly collectable group of Channel Islands silver, which is far scarcer than both English assay silver and most Scottish provincial work.

The terminal is contemporarily engraved with the initials “JPN” (or possibly “IPN”), consistent with early ownership.

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Marks

   •   Maker’s mark: JLG – John Le Gallais (Jersey)

   •   Additional Channel Islands type punches

   •   No London assay marks, as expected for Jersey silver

Marks correspond with illustrated reference examples of John Le Gallais of Jersey.

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Maker

John Le Gallais

Jersey silversmith, active 1846–1873. He was the last Jersey silversmith known to have made spoons, making his work particularly sought after by collectors of Channel Islands silver.

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Measurements

   •   Length: 22.5 cm (tablespoon size)

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Condition

   •   Good antique condition

   •   Honest surface wear consistent with age and use

   •   No splits, cracks, or repairs

   •   Bowl remains sound and well shaped

   •   Retains a good, original patina, preferred by collectors

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

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Why This Spoon Is Important

   •   Channel Islands silver is exceptionally scarce

   •   By a documented Jersey silversmith

   •   One of the last makers to produce spoons in Jersey

   •   Clear maker’s mark matching published references

   •   Large tablespoon size with contemporary engraving

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Summary

   •   Genuine Channel Islands (Jersey) sterling silver

   •   Made by John Le Gallais

   •   Circa 1846–1873

   •   Large tablespoon – 22.5 cm

   •   Contemporary engraved initials JPN / IPN

   •   Very scarce and highly collectable