Spoon from the Gun Set of Mahmud I

Description This is a small priming spoon fits inside a hole to the left of the breech of the Ottoman gun (Walters 51.84) which is part of the so called "Turkish Hunting Set." The shaft of the spoon is silver gilt mounted with five emeralds and capped with diamonds. The bowl of the spoon is carved from a translucent bluish stone that may be an emerald or sapphire. Like the small cleaner for the flash-pan and lock (Walters 51.89), there may have been a tassel or pull ribbon connected to the object. This spoon was used to place powder into the flash-pan of the gun before firing.

Conservation

Examined and cleaned in preparation for exhibition.

Examined and cleaned in preparation for exhibition.

Date	Description	Narrative
12/31/1969	Examination	Examined, cleaned
12/31/1969	Treatment	Examined, cleaned.

Exhibitions

• The Art of Writing Instruments from Paris to Persia. 2011.
• Pearls on a String: Artists, Patrons, and Poets at the Great Islamic Courts. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore; Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. 2015-2016.

Provenance Robert S. Pardo, Istanbul; purchased by Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1903; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters, 1903