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THE auction of the Benson Collection of Early Spoons at Christie’s in London on June 4 offers collectors a chance to acquire rare historical spoons with an impeccable pedigree.  Previously exhibited at a stand alone display at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford this is the greatest array of early spoons to be offered at auction for many decades.

Leading the sale is the Benson Wodewose spoon – one of only four Henry VI spoons known to survive with a wodewose, or wild man, depicted on the finial.  The wodewose was a wild, satyr like mythical figure that appeared from the 12th cnetury in artwork and literature.  The spoon is estimated at £40,000-60,000.  The spoons were collected over many years by dealer and advisor Mrs. G.E.P. How (née Benson) and estimates range from £700 to £250,000.  The sale is expected to bring in more than £500,000. (Click on any image to enlarge it).

Benson Wodewose spoon Henry VI. One of only four known to survive (£40,000- £60,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2013.

Wodewose spoon, detail. Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2013.

Diamond-Point spoon. Edward III, circa 1350. Struck with one of the earliest known representations of the leopard’s head, the first English hallmark. (£30,000-50,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2013.

Acorn-Knop spoon circa 12th/13th century. Believed to be the only spoon of this type (£8,000 – £12,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2013.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 8th, 2013 at 9:02 am and is filed under AUCTIONS, COLLECTIBLES. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.