A Post-Medieval pewter spoon, featuring a shallow circular bowl and a long, slightly curving square-section stem. A maker's mark is visible at the base of the bowl, showing a faint cross surrounded by raised granules. The spoon is covered with dark patination, with some staining. Pewter has been used in Britain since the Roman period but was increasingly utilised throughout the Medieval period and was at its peak during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was an attractive and versatile alloy made of mostly tin with small amounts of other metals combined. Common components added were copper, antimony or lead, which all increased the durability of the metal. In 1474, London pewterers were given a royal charter by King Edward IV, in an effort to ensure quality control during the rapid expansion of the industry. The guild established then, ‘The Worshipful Company of Pewterers’, are still active today, and pewter goods are still produced in Britain and sold around the world. Measurements: (circa) L 16.6cm x W 5.8cm Provenance: Ex Dutch collection, 1990s