Baptism Spoon, "apostle Spoon", Solid Silver, Dutch Goldsmith, 20th Century

This elegant solid silver apostle spoon has a twisted handle that is quite characteristic of Dutch goldsmithing, the figure of an apostle (Saint Peter?) adorns the upper part of the handle.
The large spoon bears several hallmarks, that of Dutch goldsmithing, a lion passant facing right above the number two in Roman characters, II, the stamp of the warranty office, a helmeted woman, as well as two other stamps.
Weight: 21.50 grs

This type of spoon is called an "apostle spoon" because the handle is decorated with a figure of an apostle or saint, generally recognizable by his attributes.
This spoon was popular in England, Germany and the Netherlands from the beginning of the 16th century.
It was often offered as a baptismal gift in order to place the newborn under the protection of the apostle or saint represented.
The choice of protector is made according to the regions and family beliefs.
The spoon is most often made of silver, symbolizing the good fortune wished to the child but also for the antiseptic virtues of this precious metal. Sometimes the spoon is engraved with the child's name, a date, or initials, which is not the case with our spoon.