Moreover it appears to be the only piece of silver attributable to the Edinburgh goldsmith Andro Gilmour.
The maker's mark is mis-struck and partially rubbed but it can be discerned as AG in a double circle. Ian Pickford, editor of the most recent Jackson's Guide, who wrote the catalogue footnote, found only two goldsmiths with these initials recorded in Edinburgh in the last quarter of the 17th century, and the date letter of 1692 and the assay master John Borthwick ruled out the other candidate.
The 7¾in (19.5cm) spoon, a transitional form between the trefid and the dog nose with a ribbed rat-tail, was estimated at £1500-2500 for the sale on December 7, but sold at £9500.
The buyers premium was 22%.
