The Worshipful Company of Vintners silver tablespoon

Victorian fiddle, thread and shell silver table spoon of very generous weight and size, with the arms of The Worshipful Company of Vintners cast at the end of the stem. Made in London in 1874 by Henry John Lias & Son. The full set of hallmarks are stamped on the back of the stem and are clear, although the bottom right corner of the makers mark is slightly rubbed but still legible.



The Vintners Company received a Charter in 1364 which granted it a monopoly of trade with Gascony, followed in 1437 by a grant of incorporation. The Company was granted Arms on 17 September 1447, confirmed at the Visitations of 1590 and 1634. The Crest and Supporters were granted on 20 June 1957. About a quarter of the present Livery of about 300 belong to the wine trade and the Company still has extensive powers over the trade. According to Heraldic Media Ltd, a 1973 Charter authorised the setting up of the Wine Standards Board with certain responsibilities for enforcing the EEC Wine Laws. Education in wine is encouraged by a travel scholarship and a bursary and by participation in founding the Master of Wine examination. Also, close connections are maintained with all appropriate trade, educational and benevolent associations. The first Hall stood from 1357 and in 1446, the Company was bequeathed the present Upper Thames Street site. The first Hall on this site was destroyed in the Great Fire in 1666. By 1671, the Hall had been rebuilt by Roger Jarman as master craftsman and stands to this day, incorporating a splendidly panelled Court Room and a staircase of 1673, leading to an impressive late 19th century drawing room. This spoon is in good condition. It could easily be used for serving vegetables or puddings and, with its City of London interest, it would make an ideal present.