Edward VII Silver Gilt Model of the 13th Century ‘Coronation Spoon’

Silver Gilt Model of ‘Coronation Spoon’
Edward VII Period after the 13th Century original 
Charles Boyton & Son
London, 1901

Measures:-
10.3 cm x 2.2 cm

The Coronation Spoon forms part of the Crown Jewels and is first recorded in the Royal Collection in 1349, possibly having been made for Henry II or Richard I. The original spoon (Royal Collection Trust (RCIN 31733)), which is also silver gilt, measures 26.7 x 5.1 cm. This miniature coffee-spoon size version here is just under half the scale of the original.

Anointing is the most sacred part of the coronation ceremony and takes place just before the investiture and crowning. The Archbishop of Canterbury pours holy oil from the Ampulla into the Coronation Spoon and with this anoints the Sovereign on the hands, breast and head. The tradition goes back to the Old Testament where is it written in 1 Kings 1:34 that Zadok the Priest and Nathan the Prophet anointed Solomon as king of Israel.

Miniature 'Coronation Spoons' have been made as commemorative souvenirs for various accessions over the years. This example is hallmarked within the bowl with the leopard's head, sterling silver, date letter and "CB" maker's mark. The date of the hallmark of 1901 corresponds with the death of Queen Victoria and, hence, the forthcoming coronation of Edward VII which took place the following year.