An ancient Roman solid silver spoon (cochlearium) Shallow spoon made from a high silver alloy, known as a cochlearium in Latin. Tear-shaped bowl with markings inside, and the handle dwindles to a point at the end for use in extracting snails or seafood from their shells. The bowl is joined to the handle by a curved, thick piece of silver. The spoon is a fascinating cultural object, often a prized personal item at a time when the average person owned very little; spoons made of precious metal were so highly valued that they were often listed in inventories of noble households. In fact, they were so treasured that cochlearia made of silver have been found in treasure hoards. For similar see: The British Museum, Museum number 1981,0201.79. Material: solid silver Weight: 13.34 gram Date: Roman, 3rd – 4th century AD Measurement: overall: 142 x 23 mm Condition: Extremely fine condition International registered Delivery. Provenance: The Supplier warrants that it has obtained this lot in a legal manner. Previously the property from a French art dealer; acquired on the European art market in the 1990s Important information: The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement was seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.