|
Scottish Silver Tea Strainer - Traprain Treasure
|
|
 |
Reference: S1464
Period: George V
Year: 1925
Silversmith: Brook & Son
Place: Edinburgh
Price: $ 190.00
Weight: 35 grams
Dimensions: 10.3 cm, diameter 5.2 cm
Condition: Excellent, small nick to rim.
Description: An interesting Roman reproduction Scottish silver tea strainer, with a stylised dolphin handle. The bowl is circular, with holes in radiating circles, and has a substantial rim. The handle is lovely, the dolphin tail is cleverly curved, to allow it to loop over a finger whilst the thumb holds the tail in place. The dolphin has a large mouth, 3 fins around the head, and the body is decorated with dots. The strainer is very good quality, and is a pleasure to use. The hallmarks are very clear, makers mark B&S in serrated punch, Scottish thistle, Edinburgh castle and date letter U. An additional hallmark is present, a stylised "S" in a diamond punch. Brook and Son were the leading Scottish silversmiths in the early 20th century, they operated between 1891 and 1939 from 87 George Street (Hamilton and Inches today). This strainer is a reproduction of a Roman spoon that was part of the Traprain Law treasure hoard, which was discovered by George Pringle at Traprain Law, East Lothian, in 1919. The hoard dates from 400 AD, and consisted of 160 pieces, mostly cut up ready for melting. William Brook was the silversmith involved in conserving and trying to reconstruct the original pieces, he then gained permission for Brook & Son to produce authorised reproductions. These included salts, dishes, bowls and spoons, most were stamped "Traprain Treasure 1919 Authorised Reproduction". The mysterious S in diamond punch is also present on other Traprain treasure reproductions, so we assume it was used by Brook on the Traprain reproductions. The Traprain treasure is now in the National Musuem of Scotland(source including photo of original spoon is www.romanscotland.org.uk, well worth a visit).
|
|
|
|
|
Scottish silver tea strainer - dolphin
|
|
|
|
|
Side view
|
|
|
|
|
View of base
|
|
|
|
|
Hallmarks
|
|
|
|
|
Scale
|
|
|
|
|
Traprain treasure
|
|
|
|
|
Hamilton & Inches
|
|
|
|
|
Brook & Son Traprain Catalogue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
