FS Gilbert Twist Handle Sterling Silver Mote Spoon

This 8 3/8" long, .45 T. oz., item is an example of American silver design following after a much older English form, namely a mote, aka skimming, spoon.

As this does, motes spoons typically have a pierced bowl on one end and a pointed or spear tip on the other.

Most commentary about their purpose indicates mote spoons were originally tea related, used for filtering loose leaves, with the point serving to clear a spout of clogs.

This 8 3/8" example was made by FS Gilbert, North Attleboro, Massachusetts, and dates to the late 19th or early 20th century.

The 2" long bowl is quite decorative, with a scalloped end, elaborated shoulders, and a base that is pierced with dots and a cinquefoil.

The stem is tapered and twisted. The twist gets quite tight and narrow at the pointed spear tip end, which is stamped with the Gilbert "G" emblem and the word "Sterling" on one side.

Both the bowl and stem retain faint traces of an original gold wash finish.

In choice condition, this is without evident wear and is free of bends, dents, or other damage.