Apostle Spoons were a popular and fashionable Christening Gift in Tudor and Stuart times. A full set of twelve was a very valuable gift. Some sets had thirteen and these included a spoon called "The Master" as it depicted the figure of Christ. It is virtually impossible to find a complete set with the Master nowadays. However, many sets of six were made in Victorian times. Single Apostle spoons can also be found. London Apostle spoons are marked with a leopard’s head in the bowl, near the base of the stem, and those made in the province carry the town or city marks in the same position. All other identifying marks are found on the reverse of the stem.

The other twelve apostles consist of St. Andrew, St. Bartholomew, St. James The Greater, St. James The Less, St. John, St. Jude, St. Matthias, St. Matthew, St. Paul, St. Philip, St. Simon Zelotes and St. Thomas and are identified by the emblem he is carrying. St Paul and St. James are the most frequently encountered. St. Paul is the patron saint of London.