M.L.B.

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SPOONS.

(_For the Mirror_.)


Spoons are objects of great antiquity, and our forefathers bestowed
great pains in enriching them with masterly workmanship. So much
did _taste_ and fashion rule the time then, that spoons were
distinguished as it were by so many devices. It was, and is still with
some persons, a custom to present spoons at christenings, or on visiting
"the lady in the straw;" and in both cases they were adorned with
suitable imagery. A gentleman with whom I am acquainted, and who "keeps
a cabinet of curiosities," lately showed me two very curious silver
spoons, which he informed me had remained in his family many years; but
how they became possessed of them, he could only say that he attributed
it to the custom of presenting spoons on certain occasions. One was
beautifully wrought; the bowl was very large, and its edges carved with
exquisite workmanship. In the middle of the bowl was a representation
of "the nativity," carved in so masterly a manner, that, although it
was considerably defaced, it must have required the ablest artists to
accomplish. The handle, which was likewise superbly carved, ended in a
figure of the Virgin Mary, with our Saviour in her lap. The other spoon
was so much injured, that we could trace out nothing decisive; although
here and there we could perceive it had been richly ornamented.