What is apostle spoons?

Apostle spoons are a type of decorative spoon that typically features a figure of an apostle on the handle. These spoons were popular in England during the Tudor and Stuart periods, from the late 15th century to the early 17th century.

Apostle spoons were often given as christening gifts or presented as tokens of esteem or love. They were typically made of silver and were highly prized possessions. Each spoon would be adorned with a cast figure of one of the twelve apostles, often accompanied by their respective emblems or symbols.

In addition to their decorative value, apostle spoons were also used as practical utensils for eating and serving food. The figural handles made them easy to identify and served as a form of personalization for the user.

Today, apostle spoons are sought after by collectors and are considered valuable antiques. They can be found in museum collections and are often featured in exhibitions on the history of silverware and decorative arts.