Unicorn mark – A rare George II Scottish provincial silver tablespoon, circa 1740 by WS

Hanoverian pattern with moulded drop heel, the terminal engraved with initials HB in script. Marked with W.S, thistle, S and a unicorn passant.

Length – 22 cm / 8.7 inches

Weight – 85 grams / 2.73 ozt

This rare set of marks, which are recorded on a handful of other spoons (one National Museums of Scotland), also a pair of salts (private collection), have tentatively been ascribed to Perth by William Scott II, however there is as yet no substantial evidence to support this. A unicorn's head mark was used by David Gray in Dumfries active circa 1810-41.