EARLY VICTORIAN Sterling Silver Skewer by Charles Fox II. London 1839

Intriguing Early Victorian sterling silver skewer.

Maker: Charles Fox II. London 1839.



This unusual silver skewer is formed as a Caduceus, an ancient symbol and staff of authority. It is particularly noted for having been carried by Hermes the messenger of the Gods in Greek Mythology and similarly by Mercury in Roman Mythology.

The Caduceus is a rod or staff entwined with two serpents and surmounted by a winged helmet. It is recognised as a symbol of commerce and negotiation as well as one of printing and writing.

In more recent times the Caduceus has been mistakenly used as a medical symbol, especially in the USA. The confusion, thought to have manifested itself in 1902 because its adoption as the badge of the US medical corp. had arisen no doubt from thinking that it was one and the same as the Rod of Ascelpius (another story at another time).

The full set of hallmarks are clearly marked on one side of the skewer. The maker Charles Fox II consistently made objects of high quality and Grimwade says that he was perhaps the last individualist plate worker before the Victorian flood of mass production.

These skewers were used to steady the roast while carving and also for decorative purposes. Today this skewer would be very useful for opening envelopes and it would make an excellent gift.





Length: 10.2 inches

Weight: 1.62 troy ounces.