A John Langdon, Plymouth, Large Sterling Silver Sifter Spoon

Manufacturer - John Langdon, Plymouth

Date - 1835

Description - A very well‑made and substantial large silver fiddle‑pattern sifter spoon, featuring an oval, flat‑bottomed bowl pierced with crisp, well‑defined perforations. The clean, unengraved handle enhances its elegant simplicity, allowing the quality of the craftsmanship and the classic fiddle outline to stand out. A handsome and practical example, ideal for both use and display.

Condition - This spoon is in clean, good condition

Hallmark - This sifter spoon has clear hallmarks with manufacturer's cypher for John Langdon, Plymouth and an Exeter date cypher for 1835

Dimensions - Maximum length - 17cm
Spoon bowl diameter - 6 x 5cm
Weight - 46gm

Date Context 1835:
* King William IV begins his 5th year as Monarch
* Marriage Act prohibits marriage with a deceased wife's sister, although validating all existing such marriages
* The Cruelty to Animals Act extends protection of domesticated animals from maltreatment, including outright prohibition on bear-baiting and cockfighting in England and Wales
* Charles Darwin arrives at the Galapagos Islands aboard HMS Beagle
* Two men, James Pratt and John Smith, are hanged in front of Newgate Prison in London after a conviction of buggery. They are the last to suffer capital punishment for homosexual acts in England.