A rare silver spoon made by Francis Cooper in 1946.

Francis Cooper (1906 to 1980) was the son of the famous architect, designer and metalworker, John Paul Cooper (1869 – 1933). Francis trained and worked at his father’s workshops between 1924 and 1933. He became an accomplished silversmith and designer in his own right and when his father died in 1933 he completed many unfinished commissions.

He continued to produce items in silver throughout his life but pieces are very rare. He is perhaps best know for designing and making the pen used by Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation oath signing in 1953.

This particular spoon is very much in the Arts and Crafts style of his father. The bowl of the spoon is very delicately hand planished with a “rat tail” join. The tip of the spoon has a very intricate design with a boat in full sail.

The spoon is hallmarked with Francis’s makers mark, London, 1946.