Horn Serving Spoon with Carved Handle, 18th–19th Century
Georgian or Early Victorian — c. 1780–1850
- Material
- Horn / bone
- Use
- Serving
- Century
- 18th century CE
- Size
- Wumbo
- Provenance
- Owner's collection
Dimensions2 measurements
- Overall length
- 28 cm
- Overall width
- 6.5 cm
Catalogue Note
A handsome spoon of translucent horn, likely from cattle or ox horn, displaying the warm amber and brown tones characteristic of age and use. The bowl is broad and gently curved, while the handle tapers with subtle hand-carved detailing at the transition, suggesting provincial manufacture or domestic craftsmanship. The surface shows natural striations and minor discoloration consistent with prolonged service and storage; the form is sturdy and practical, suited to serving sauces or substantial portions from the table.
Spoon Lore
Horn spoons were prized before industrial silverware became affordable; their transparency to light and resistance to heat made them ideal for kitchen service, and they could be worked to elegance with hand-carving. In 18th-century farmhouse dining, a horn spoon was often a treasured family implement, passed down across generations.
From the collection of
Rosa Delgado