Rare William Gough III of Marlborough Provincial Silver Trefid Spoon

A first-class provincial silver Wessex trefid spoon, with betrothal initials ‘R.S’. over ‘I.S’ and the date 1694 scratch engraved on the terminal, struck twice on the base of the stem with the maker’s mark ‘WG’ in a shield shape punch with two mullets above and one beneath. This mark is probably that of William Gough III of Marlborough (see Timothy Kent ‘West Country Spoons and their makers 1550 – 1750 page 94), and is illustrated on page 520 of Jackson, Ian Pickford Edition immediately below the marks for William Gough I & II.
This is a wonderful example of a provincial trefid silver spoon, in all original condition with good weight and patina, a ribbed rattail, and excellent marks. Ticks all the boxes.

Condition: In excellent collector’s condition with no damage or repair and having some expected age-related wear. There are a couple of small signs of metal fatigue, see images, further evidence of the all original condition of this fine spoon.

OBJECT: Trefid Spoon

CULTURE: Stuart

DATE: c. 1685 (with later date of 1694)

MATERIAL: Silver

SIZE:  20cm x 4.7cm

WEIGHT:  52 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. Private Collection, Gloucestershire