Ancient Roman Gold Apothecary Spoon

Code: 10307

This is a rare ancient Roman gold apothecary spoon, dating to the 1st - 2nd century A.D. It is formed from a bar of solid gold, hammered and drawn to a slender shaft and shallow piriform bowl, round-section shank with ribbed detailing to each end, knop finial. (See Frere, S.S. & Tomlin, R.S.O. The Roman Inscriptions of Britain vol. II, Stroud, 1991 for discussion.) Such spoons were used for medicine. It is an excellent example in excellent condition, ideal for a serious collector or museum display.

OBJECT: Spoon

CULTURE:  Roman

DATE: c. 1st - 2nd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold

SIZE: 123mm x 15mm (bowl 15mm x 25mm)

WEIGHT:  7.93 grams

PROVENANCE:  Ex. Property of a private collector from Bath; acquired before 1975.