The Benson wodewose spoon is to auction at Christie's London on June 4. One of only four extant examples, the rare silver spoon is believed to be worth £40,000-60,000 ($60,930-91,394).
The filial end of the spoon depicts a wodewose, a wild, mythical beast that appeared frequently in medieval art and literature during the 12th century, and resembles a satyr.
 A little Wodewose, or wild man, is depicted on the filial end of the Henry VI silver spoon |
The Henry VI wodewose spoon is offered from the Benson collection of early spoons. Amassed over several years by the late dealer and spoon expert Mrs G How (nee Benson), the collection has starred as a standalone exhibit at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
Head of Christie's silver department, Harry Williams-Bulkeley, comments: "The Benson collection represents the holy grail for spoon collectors.
Until their recent display at the Ashmolean Museum and the publication of David Constable's detailed work, The Benson Collection of Early Spoons, this fabled collection had only been seen by a handful of the most dedicated collectors."
The sale provides spoon collectors, enthusiasts and connoisseurs the world over the opportunity to acquire rare, historical spoons with an impeccable pedigree.
Browse Paul Fraser Collectibles' unique items.
For the result of this sale and more, sign up for our free weekly newsletter.
