Three George III sterling silver picture back teaspoons

A ‘I love Liberty’ back teaspoon, London circa 1765 makers mark obscured TR? Old English pattern, engraved with later initials A.P in gothic script, the heel with prick dot engraved initials JRP in cypher, a ‘British – Heart of Oak’ teaspoon, London circa 1760 probably by Thomas Wallis I, Hanoverian pattern, the terminal later engraved with initials CA below an Earl’s coronet. Together with a later embellished ‘I love Liberty’ back, the spoon London circa 1765 by Thomas Evans, the terminal engraved with initials I W in Roman script. Each marked with makers mark and lion passant. (3)

Length – 11.5 cm / 4.6 inches

Gross weight – 32 grams / 1.03 ozt

Collection of Anthony Aston Smith (1929-2010), the Heart of Oak spoon bought from How of Edinburgh 17^th Sep 1775 £25

I love liberty picture back are inspired by the trials of the political activist John Wilkes during the period 1765 - 1771. John Wilkes (1725 - 1798) was imprisoned on "libellous" and "treasonable" charges following his attacks in The North Briton newspaper against King George III and his government. His stance against the establishment's corruption, is considered as the major breakthrough for the freedom of the press in the UK