18th C. Folding Nuremberg Traveling Medicine Spoon Nürnberg Klapplöffel 1708
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:101289 |
This is an 18th c. folding spoon made by Johann David Pfaff who worked in Nuremberg 1708-1723. These double ended spoons are often sold as medicine spoons, which is clearly possible. However I know of at least one set where it is teamed with a knife and a fork. So it is possible the small bowl was used by a traveler to dip salt, spice or condiment. Or It could be that it was also used by traveling doctors or others to take medication. There are many Nuremberg reproductions on the market, but t...his is the real thing. You will notice the zigzag line where the quality of the silver was tested. Also while the maker’s mark is not a strong strike, the P is a bit difficult to read, the dot over the D clearly shows it is by Pfaff. The mark can be found in Rosenberg number 4825. For American collectors you won’t find a cheaper example on either side of the ocean. The condition is good, with expected wear and patina, while the handle locks in place there is a little wiggle when it is locked in place. As far as Museum quality a Google image search of “folding spoon double ended” will turn up a similar spoon at the Met.This spoon, unfolded, is 6 5/8” long or 17 cm. It weighs 1 troy ounce.
