Silver ornamental spoon, Prudentia, 1892

Silver ornamental spoon, made by an unknown silversmith at the end of the 19th century.

The spoon is topped with a woman holding a mirror in her right hand, turned towards the viewer. In literature, this representation is often called Prudence or Prudentia. In her left hand, she probably holds a Remora, a snake-like fish. In Pliny the Elder's (23/24–79 AD) Naturalis Historia, this snake-like fish from the Echeneidae family is described as "attaching itself to ships and thus slowing their speed". The finial actually depicts self-knowledge and acting without haste as aspects of Wisdom.

The spoon is hallmarked with the first standard mark (925/1000), Minerva head, and year letter 'h' for 1892. No maker's mark found.

Further hallmarked with import marks: S.N for S.N. Nyburg from London, London city mark, year letter, import mark, and standard mark.

The spoon is in good condition.

Weight: 64.2 grams. Length: 19 cm.