Apostle spoons, which originated in early fifteenth-century Europe, were a popular christening and baptismal gift by the early sixteenth century. A complete set traditionally contains thirteen spoons, which have figures of Christ (the Master spoon) and the twelve Apostles, each with his respective emblem, at the terminal end of the handle. The spoons—usually made out of silver, but sometimes other metals such as pewter—were especially fashionable in Germany, the Netherlands, and England and were often given by a godparent to his or her godchild. The wealthiest godparents would give a complete set, others a smaller number, and the most modest a single spoon. Complete sets of all twelve Apostle spoons are quite rare, while sets that include the figure of Christ on a larger spoon are exceedingly rare.
Reporting Policy