‘The Charles C Brian Collection’ included many excellent examples of rare early West Country spoons, some dating back to the late 16th century.

In total, 53 lots of spoons were sold together with several additional items of Exeter. The initial estimate of £20,000 to £30,000 was quickly exceeded, with the final hammer total reaching an impressive £43,000.

Buyers ranged from serious private collectors, specialist silver dealers buying on behalf of clients and individuals who were particularly interested in the Exeter silver, which as well as spoons included a tazza dish from the reign of George I, which sold for £3,800 and a tea caddy from 1732 which realised £2,100.

The ‘star’ of the spoons was a seal top example, made by John Jones of Exeter in the 1570s. Recognised as a hugely important maker in the Elizabethan era, Jones is described by Timothy Kent in ‘West Country Silver Spoons and their Makers’ as 'One of the most important and successful provincial goldsmiths of his epoch'. This single spoon sold for £3,600.

Meanwhile, another, identified as the so-called missing ‘Plymouth spoon’, achieved £2,100. Made circa 1694, the spoon - with its distinctive Trefid design - had been misplaced from Plymouth silversmiths Messrs. Page, Keen and Page in the 1950s. Although the Chilcotts team had hoped the spoon might return to the city of its making, instead it moved further east, away from the West Country, having been bought by a Norfolk collector.

Chilcotts Silver Specialist, Jennifer Bell who undertook detailed research into the spoons prior to the auction, said: “This was a truly fascinating collection to get to know, especially as it provided a good opportunity to find out more about the history of spoon making in the West Country.”

“We were delighted with the interest in the collection, and the vendor was extremely happy with the result.”