Roman, later Imperial Period, ca. 3rd to 4th century CE. A shallow spoon made from 94% silver, known as a cochlearium in Latin. The bowl is shaped like a rounded flask in cross section, and the handle narrows to a point at the end for use in extracting snails or seafood from the shell. The bowl is joined to the handle by an elegantly curved, thick piece of silver. The spoon is a fascinating cultural object, often a prized personal item at a time when the average person owned very little. Spoons made of precious metal were so highly valued that they were often listed in inventories of noble households. In fact, they were so coveted that cochlearia made of silver have been found in treasure hoards. Size: 5.5" L x 1.1" W (14 cm x 2.8 cm); quality of silver: 94%; weight: 23.6 grams.

Provenance: ex Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan USA acquired before 2000

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#158052

Minor abrasions and casting flaws, with very slight bending to overall form of handle, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina across surfaces.