?Irish Berry Spoon

[quill]

I inherited this spoon from my grandmother and what homework I've been able to do suggests Dublin as a possible origin. She called it a "berry spoon"... I guess it was designed to fish out the little fellas and leave the juice behind? Or maybe it was for some other purpose? Any help with the hallmarks would be appreciated. From left to right:
1. Date stamp - M
2. Can't decipher... looks like a scale or crown above a harp, or maybe a sprouted acorn
3. Seated figure facing left, holding a branch
4. Right profile of someone no doubt illustrious
5. Maker's mark - J.P

The pictures aren't great... excuse my formatting noobishness.

Thanks in advance.

quill

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(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements )

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[dognose]

Hi Quill,

No it's not a berry spoon, it's a straining spoon, you are right about Dublin and it was hallmarked in 1808. It was made it appears by John Pittar who became free in 1780 and died in 1825.
Hope this helps.

Trev.
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[dognose]

Hi Quill,

A bit more information, John Pittar became Warden of the Dublin Goldsmiths Company in 1789 and became Master in 1796.
These straining spoons are sometimes found with the strainer detachable so that the spoon can also be used as a regular basting spoon, your appears to be the fixed varity or can it be removed?

Trev.
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[quill]

tyvm dognose... exactly what i wanted. this spoon is of the fixed variety. the "bridge" appears to be seamless with the bowl of the spoon, and the straining plate soldered in place. the openings of the strainer are somewhat irregular, not up to the quality of the rest of the piece... maybe an apprentice's work?
thanks again- quill
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