A pair of early nineteenth century Australian silver table spoons by Alexander Dick, New South...

A pair of early nineteenth century Australian silver table spoons by Alexander Dick, New South Wales, Sydney , circa 1836, of Fiddle Pattern form with crested terminal of a dragon's head couped. Pseudo marks visible as a lion rampant, leopards head, E, monarchs head duty mark and the maker's mark DICK.  Length measuring 8 3/4 inches (22 cm), weight 5.1 ozt (158 grams).

Alexander Dick was born in Scotland (c.1791-1843), and arrived as a free settler in Sydney Australia in 1824. In 1829 Dick was accused of receiving twelve silver dessert spoons stolen from the home of Alexander McLeay, the colonial secretary, he was tried on the 26th of May, found guilty and sentenced to seven years imprisonment on Norfolk Island. Many influential citizens testified to Dicks good nature including Alexander McLeay, the colonial secretary, from whose residence the spoons had been stolen. On the 1st of February 1833 Governor Bourke pardoned Dick. Dick returned to Sydney and his business is believed to have flourished.

Existing notable works by Alexander Dick include a communion plate for the Scots Church, Sydney; Cavan Challenge Cup won by Lieutenant Waddy's horse Frederick at the Yass plains races in 1836; the Anniversary Day Regatta Cup 1840 (Art Gallery of South Australia collection); and many pieces of cutlery.