Kortrijk, 1764, Stew Spoon, Gaspard François De Millecamps, Kortrijk, Solid Silver

Solid silver stew spoon, Kortrijk, 1764
Gaspard-François de Millecamps

Length: 26 cm
Width of the spoon head: 5.5 cm
Weight: 115 g

Large solid silver stew spoon, made in Kortrijk in 1764 by silversmith Gaspard‑François de Millecamps.

It features a wide, deep, oval bowl, extended by a long, plain shank that widens to form an elegant, fluted handle. The reverse side of the handle’s end bears the owner’s initials, “B.M.,” finely engraved.

The reverse side of the shaft is marked with various regulatory hallmarks from Kortrijk, including the date hallmark “64” for the year 1764, as well as the master’s mark of Gaspard-François de Millecamps. The hallmarks are particularly numerous and well-preserved.

Gaspard-François de Millecamps, son of Pieter de Millecamps, was born in Kortrijk on September 17, 1712, and died there on October 31, 1777. In addition to his work as a silversmith, the archives also list him as an engraver and metal caster. He held an important position within the Kortrijk silversmiths’ guild.

The spoon is in very good overall condition. It shows only slight superficial scratches and the normal signs of wear expected for an 18th-century silver piece.

Reference: Paul Debrabandere, *De Kortrijkse Edelsmeedkunst*, *Verhandelingen uitgegeven door De Leiegouw*, VI, Kortrijk, 1979, particularly p. 160.