S/2941 Antique Mid 18th Century Sheep Shank Bone Apple Corer or Cheese Scoop

A rare mid 18th century sheep shank bone apple corer or cheese scoop, carved as a love token with initials N.W.A. within a heart, and carved on the reverse is the date 1748 within a circle. Both are surrounded with intricate angled lines within squares with additional scrolling. Above the initials is a mother of pearl circular inset stud. The whole has attained a worn and patinated surface and is a serious collector's item.

N.B. See Pinto page 84, illustration plate 80 for a very similar example dated 1747, but nowhere near so well decorated.

Sold 4¾ in. (12 cm.) Wide
1 in. (2.5 cm.) Deep
English or Welsh Circa 1748