Spoons depicting the 12 apostles (messengers of Christ) were popular throughout the 16th century. Individual apostle spoons were sometimes given as Christening gifts but intended for use. Groups depicting all 12 apostles were more likely to be owned by wealthier members of society (noblemen were more likely to have several dozen spoons in various shapes; a tradesman would have about six to 12). Few complete sets have survived. During the Reformation many religious images were destroyed, and silver was melted down and re-used.

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