I obtained these two serving spoons in 2023 from Germany. Each spoon has a length of 32.5cm and a weight of 3.1oz. Notably, both of these spoons proudly display the crest of the Earl of Findlater. However, their historical significance sets them apart: one dates back to 1812, while the other was crafted in 1815, both after the passing of the last Earl in 1811.

James Ogilvy, 7th Earl of Findlater, 4th Earl of Seafield, (1747-1811) was the late Earl of Findlater. After his death, the Earldom of Seafield endured being inherited by the Grants of Grant. It’s worth noting that during they adopted a unique practice by combining the Ogilvie and Grant crests side by side, as depicted below. Consequently, it becomes less likely that these serving spoons could be attributed to them.

In 1812, a significant development occurred when Sir William Ogilvie, the 8th Bart. of Carnousie, asserted his claim to the Earldom of Findlater. This coincidentally aligns with the year of origin for the first of the two spoons in question. This intriguing convergence of timelines raises the intriguing possibility that Sir William may have commissioned a splendid silver canteen in Edinburgh during the very same year he laid claim to the Earldom, a grand gesture indicative of his newfound status.

Historical records further support this notion, as we find evidence from 1812 wherein Sir William was using the title “Earl of Findlater.” As reported in the Morning Chronicle’s “Mirror of Fashion” on Saturday, December 26th, 1812, it was noted: “One Thursday last arrived, in Hans-place, the right Honourable the Earl of Findlater, from Boyne Cottage, Edinburgh.” This compelling historical reference strengthens the hypothesis that the spoons could indeed be associated with Sir William’s acquisition and use of the Earldom of Findlater.