Silver Spoon & Napkin Ring Christening Set – Sheffield 1894

Christening Sets appear to be a relatively new innovation arising from origins in the fourth century. At that time, when Christians lived in fear of being persecuted by non-Christians new Church members were expected to be sponsored by current members (or patrinus). In many cases parents would turn to close friends when they started planning the christening of their child. Some Godparents then started giving a small christening gift that symbolised the gifts offered at the birth of Christ, by the Magi. In the Tudor age, small items made of silver became popular with Godparents and gave rise to the saying “Born with a silver spoon in the mouth”. Taking our lead from that, we are delighted to offer a cased solid silver spoon and napkin ring from the respected silversmith, James Deakin & Sons. So if you have been asked to be a Godparent to a child, this could be just what you need. Both the spoon and napkin ring bear a very elaborate monogram which we believe is ‘Ac’, but don’t take our word for it, please decide whether you agree by closely examining the photographs.