An unusual, George III Period, London c1830, Sterling Silver Mote Spoon

Manufacturer - Not attributed, London

Date - c1730

Description - This unusual mote spoon has an especially long handle with rattail extension to the base. The long, tapering stem was used for clearing blockages in a teapot spout. The bowl is ornately pierced with scrolls and three, simple drilled holes to presumably a more elegant procees of scrimming tea leaves from the tea with a simple tilt to the spoon!
The original owner's initials 'EM' are engraved to the heel of the bowl.
Mote spoons were an essential part of tea service from the late 17th century through to early 19th century, when loose tea was transported in wooden chests and prone to fragmenting The pierced bowl allowed the drinker to skim away dust motes/large tea leaves from the surface of the cup, while the pointed terminal served its practical secondary purpose.
A charming and increasingly scarce form of early tea equipage, and a particularly attractive example thanks to its crisp piercing and decorative scrollwork.

Condition - This spoon is in clean, good condition

Hallmark - There are signs of a hallmark but are impossible to decipher

Dimensions - Maximum length - 15cm