Serving spoon - Pewter - 17th c. Pewter Spoon

Rare Mid-to-Late 17th Century Dutch / Low Countries Pewter Rat-tail "Slip-Top" Spoon.

An exceptional and highly collectible example of 17th-century Continental pewter craftsmanship, showcasing the transition between late Renaissance casting techniques and mid-17th-century bowl reinforcement.

Key Features & Characteristics:

Stem Profile:
Cast six-sided (hexagonal) section stem featuring distinct chamfered edges for added structural rigidity.

Shows original file marks to the stem ,probably for extra grip.

Terminal:
"Slip-Top" finish ("slipped in the stalk").

Bowl & Join:
Broad, rounded-oval bowl attached via a pronounced, sharp V-shaped "rat-tail" tongue on the reverse.

Touchmark / Markings:
Stamped on the reverse of the bowl with a clear multi-petaled rosette / floral touchmark, characteristic of Dutch and Low Countries guild quality standards of the period.

Condition Report:

In authentic, untouched antique condition.

The metal exhibits a deep, dark oxidized patina and minor surface pitting expected of soil/excavated or long-surviving 17th-century domestic pewter.

The bowl edge demonstrates heavy, asymmetrical wear on the leading side—classic evidence of decades of active right-handed domestic use scraping wooden trenchers. No post-period repairs or modifications.

A fine, representative piece for collectors of early cutlery, Dutch Golden Age metalware, or 17th-century pewter.

Dimensions:
17.1 cm x 6.6 cm x 5.0 cm

Weight:
A heavy 67.34 grams

Note:
Images taken with Studio lighting , In reality under normal lighting conditions the spoon exhibits a more subdued and darker colour like the last collage (front / back) image .