Whalebone Snuff Spoon
A whalebone love spoon cum snuff spoon dating to the beginning of the 19th century, pierced with the symbols denoting the four suits in playing cards; two Diamonds, two Clubs, two Spades……..and just one Heart.
A similar spoon is illustrated in Pinto’s, plate 366, item Z. The text informs that the two pierced spoons are to allow the user to serve both nostrils simultaneously.
English, probably an article of scrimshaw, circa 1800.
2 inches x 7/8 inch.
Item code: 5971
£395
