Charles I Sterling Silver Seal Top Spoon

hallmarked London, 1630-1631, by Edward Hole (ca. 1600-ca. 1636; free 1622), the seal with pricked monogram "M*P".
l. 7-1/8", w. 2"; 1.95 t. oz.

Literature: David M. Mitchell, Silversmiths in Elizabethan and Stuart London: Their Lives and Marks (Woodbridge, Suffolk: Boydell Press, 2017), 283
Timothy Arthur Kent, London Silver Spoonmakers, 1500-1697 (London: Silver Society, 1981), pp. 20, 29-30

A fine piece in very good condition, with no issues noted beyond the expected signs of age. No dents, breaks or repairs. Marked in the bowl with the London crowned leopard's head and on the reverse of the stem with the sterling lion passant, the date letter "n" for 1630-1631, and the "EH" maker's mark of Edward Hole. The date letter slightly off-struck and the maker's mark with some faint wear, but the marks are all in quite good condition, the leopard's head being particularly fine.