A Charles II trefid spoon by William Law of Edinburgh, circa 1665, makers mark of WL conjoined wi

A Charles II trefid spoon by William Law of Edinburgh, circa 1665, makers mark of WL conjoined with crown above and pellet below, the trefid end with engraved initials AG / SB to reverse of terminal, the slightly tapered stem with shaped stylised foliage terminal to bowl with long rat tail to centre 20cm long, 1.7oz Notes: William Law first appears within the Edinburgh Goldsmiths records on 14th March 1662 where is he is commanded to make as his essay 'ane silver coupe with ane cover graven and ane voupe in Robert Lawis shop' [sic], his overseers were Edward Cleghorne, Alexander Scott and Alexander Reid. He is then admitted as a master and freeman of the trade on 14th June 1662. Law's mark is also encountered as a Deacons mark as he was elected Deacon from 1675 - 1667. William Law is also noted as one of the signatories on the 1st of February 1658 Act dictating the quality of metals used and the need to present and have all wares fully hallmarked. The act states that no master or freeman of the Incorporation would make to either sell or hold any item 'gold wnder the fyness of tuentie tua carat fine and silver wnder the fyness of elevine deniers fine' [sic]. The minutes further state that all items of silver work should have 'thair awin mark the castell and the deacone present and to come his awin mark' [sic]. This was agreed by the present members of the Incorporation and all the Masters of the Incorporation signed in agreement. Upon signing his name to this William Law is stating that he would follow all the acts and guidelines placed by the Incorporation and therefore it must be assumed that this present lot must pre date his signing. Reference: "Edinburgh Goldsmiths' Minutes 1525-1700' Transcribed by J Munro B.A, Ph.D, edited by H Steuart Fothringham O.B.E