18th Century Pierced Sterling Silver Mote Spoon

Heading :18th century pierced silver mote spoon c1730
Date : c1730
Period : George II
Origin : England
Decoration : Pierced bowl
Size :  Length 13.6cm. bowl width 2.1cm
Condition : Very good. makers mark poorly struck
Restoration : None
Weight :  6.4g

During the late 17th and early 18th centuries. loose tea was not graded as it is today so a way of removing the dust and detritus from the tea leaves was required. The pierced bowl allowed the user to shake the leaves clean and remove the ‘mote’ before entering them into the pot.  They may also have been used as a simple tea strainer. The pointed terminal to the handle was designed to clear the teapot spout of any blockage.

This example bears a maker’s mark but it was struck on a narrow part of the handle