This is a rare and beautifully crafted antique English silver mote spoon (also known as a mote skimmer). It features a finely pierced bowl with scroll and crosslet patterns and a long, tapering handle that ends in a chamfered sharp point. On the back, the lower half of the bowl features a detailed chased design of a crowned double headed eagle. While many mote spoons feature only geometric or stylized foliate piercings, in rare occasions high-quality example variations included such chased details, fancy backs, or armorial crests.

Mote spoons were used primarily during the late 17th and 18th century as part of the tea-drinking ritual. The intricate, hand-pierced upper section allowed tea hosts to skim floating particles, loose leaves, and tea dust ("motes") directly out of a teacup without removing the liquid. The pointed spike end was used to clear the teapot's spout if it became clogged with loose tea particles.

The spoon measures approximately 5 inches long and weighs approximately 9 grams. Some scratches to the back of the spoon near the bowl as visible in photos. The marks on the spoon are largely indecipherable, but under a microscope I believe I can see an “H.”

Research has identified an identical John Lampfert crowned double-headed eagle spoon from c. 1765 and a Robert Hare crowned double-headed eagle from the same year. I have included these examples in the photos for comparison purposes and will let the buyer decide who is more likely to be the maker.

The item(s) are antique and sold as is/as found unless otherwise noted. Because they are old, they were used and will not look new or new-like. They likely show wear, fading, scratches, chips, cracks, past repair/restoration, original imperfections and/or damage from normal use. Significant issues are shown in photos. Examine photos carefully as they are part of the description. Imperfections were factored into pricing. No returns or refunds.

Freight shipping or local pickup must be arranged by the buyer. Buyers assume full responsibility for the pick up, packing and freight shipping of purchases or lots won at auction. Please contact a shipping company to make shipping arrangements. Contact me through eBay to schedule pickup time and receive pick up address. Items not picked up within 20 calendar days of sale will be relisted on eBay and the purchase price refunded.