I have an odd apostle-spoon."
In "The Gossips," a poem, by Shipman, in 1666, there is the following mention of the custom of presenting apostle-spoons at christenings, which it appears was then on the decline:—
"Formerly, when they used to troul
Gilt bowls of sack, they gave the bowl
Two spoons at least—an use ill kept;
'Tis well if now our own be left."
On St. Paul's, or any other apostle's day, it was usual for persons of quality to send round a present of a spoon with the figure of such apostle to their friends. In some Catholic families these and the before-mentioned customs are still retained, though I question whether the spoons are enriched with such superb workmanship.