Hi Bernadette,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The marks on the back of this spoon identify Sheffield (UK) as the place it was made; the sawtooth mark towards the upper edge of the back is an assayers cut, a method historically used by silversmiths and assay offices to test the metal’s purity. When silver items were brought to be tested for quality or hallmarked, a small section was sometimes removed or marked with a file to examine the composition and ensure that it met the required silver standard. The presence of such a mark, along with the hallmarks, typically suggests that the piece is genuine antique sterling silver and was likely assayed by an official assay office.

The shape of this spoon is quite similar to what is called an "apostle" spoon, traditionally
decorative silver or silver-gilt spoons, each featuring a small figure of an apostle on the handle. They were popular from the late 15th century to the 17th century in England and other parts of Europe. Apostle spoons were traditionally given as christening gifts by godparents. A wealthy godparent might give a full set of 12 spoons, each representing one of the apostles, or even 13 spoons, with the 13th being a figure of Christ.
We were not able to identify the crouching figure on the end of the handle of this spoon, which is unusual and probably does not indicate an apostle. Also, we were not able to determine the identity of the initials "G -I/I-I-M" but it's likely these are the initials of the maker or the original owner, or both.
This spoon dates to the early 17th Century (probably 1625-1650); though these kinds of spoons do not come up for auction frequently, they are common enough not to be called "rare". Other comparable examples that have sold at auction have brought prices ranging from $700-1,000.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Sheffield sterling silver "apostle" spoon
British, circa 1625-1650
The handle rendered with a crouching figure at the back, the handle naturalistically rendered, with a broad bowl marked to the back with partially obscured hallmarks and prominent assayers mark.
6-1/2 inches
CONDITION: This spoon appears to be in generally very good original condition.
PROVENANCE: Acquired in a second hand store
$700-1,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia