A late 17^th century Norwegian silver gilt spoon, Bergen circa 1680 by Oluf Jørgensen (active circa 1650-1700)

the shaped terminal leading to a flat stem with a moulded and bevelled mid-section, culminating a a fig shaped bowl. The front of handle engraved with an eight leaf rose with a leaf stem, the reverse with the rose head again and the back of the bowl with an engraved foliate ribbon engraved with initials S.A.S. Makers mark to base of handle.

Length – 20 cm / 7.9 inches

Weight – 49 grams / 1.58 ozt

A near identical spoon by Jørgensen is illustrated in Storesund. H. J. (1993), 100 Norske Sølvskjeer, Antik 7, P. 88.

Oluf Jørgensen born in Dragset in Innvik, Nordfjord, was apprenticed to Lucas Steen from 1638-44, exhibiting his masterpiece on the 16^th June 1650 and then took his citizenship in April 1651. He married his former master’s daughter Emerentze, owning his own home by 1655. Part of the guild between 1663-66 and probation master 1671-75. He had many apprentices, including his two sons Michel and Jorgen Olsen, who went onto become goldsmiths in Bergen. He died around 1700.