Norwich, probably 1570, shaped oval bowl with plain slightly tapering stem, attributed to Christopher Tanner, .925 fine, 1.22 oz. T., 5-7/8 in., all marks partial loss to gilt. Notes: At the time it was sold in 1986 it was reported to be the second oldest Norwich spoon recorded; mentioned in How's [English and Scottish Silver Spoons], vol. I, London, 1952, p. xvi, in the following terms: "Many of the Provincial marks are not easily recognized even by professional dealers, and as recently as 1947, amongst other bargains I know to have been acquired at the Antiques Dealers' Fair, was an exceedingly fine Elizabethan Norwich Spoon, bearing on the stem the Marker's Mark of Christopher Tanner, slightly obliterated, associated with the date-letter for 1570, whilst the rather spidery "Castle-over-Lion", the Town Mark of Norwich in the Elizabethan period, was struck in the bowl. This mark, though perfectly clear to those who know it, is not easily recognized by those unacquainted with Provincial hall-marks. The spoon, which had certainly been seen but not recognized by several London dealers, was sold for a few pounds as 'uninscribed, probably English'". Provenance: Sotheby's, London, July, 17, 1986, lot 282, with original receipt; Private Collection all marks partial loss to gilt