London 1478, the fig bowl with engraved Gothic B surmounted by a Marquise coronet, the reverse of bowl with prick engraved initials FL, the cast finial with a halo nimbus (Dimensions: Length: 18.5cm, weight: 57g) (Length: 18.5cm, weight: 57g) Provenance: Highly likely the collection of Gavin 1st Marquess and 7th Earl of Breadalbane. Footnote: Note: Although earlier English Apostle spoons do survive this Edward IV example is a documentary part of the evolution of one of the most important aspects of British silver, the hallmark. Although hallmarks have been struck since circa 1300 it is not until the application of an annual changing date letter in 1478 that the recognisable format of maker and date were established. The date letter ‘A’ stuck to this piece is therefore the first example of this now centuries old, tradition being applied and the start of what would become a cornerstone of the oldest, continual and still virtually unchanged form of consumer protection in the world. It is easy to see why this spoon was not only collected but adorned by Gavin Campbell 1st Marquess and 7th Earl of Breadalbane and not just that but saved by the family from the sales of his collection in 1926 and 1935.