An early eighteenth century silver basting spoon, in Hanoverian pattern with long rat-tail, engraved family crest to reverse of terminal. Bottom struck with maker's mark only, partly worn, letters P L over a fleur-de lys visible and similar to the mark for Pierre Platel. Length 12 (30.5 cm), weight 4.91 ozt (153 grams). The spoon displays general surface scratches, marks, wear and tarnishing commensurate with the age and use. Numerous deeper scratches and nicks are visible throughout and especially to the bowl. The bowl has faired quite well, although it is quite pitted and the striking tip has worn thin. There are also some dints and bumps. Some wear and loss of detail to parts of the engraved crest.The maker's mark is bottom struck to the reverse of the stem, it is rubbed and partly worn. The lower part is similar to the mark for Pierre Platel, which is recorded in both Jackson and Grimwade as being entered in 1699. The area above the letters should be a crown but unfortunately this section of the mark is nearly completely rubbed away so it is difficult to provide a definite attribution.