Mappin & Webb Prince's Plate Caddy Spoon
Flatware - Caddy Spoon · Mappin & Webb, a prestigious British silversmithing firm founded in the late 18th century (tracing roots back to 1775). Known globally for high-end silverware and holder of multiple Royal Warrants, the company has a strong reputation for durability and luxury.
Pattern: Unidentified traditional fiddle or shell-terminal pattern, manufactured as part of their proprietary silver-plated flatware lines.
Type
Flatware - Caddy Spoon
Maker
Mappin & Webb, a prestigious British silversmithing firm founded in the late 18th century (tracing roots back to 1775). Known globally for high-end silverware and holder of multiple Royal Warrants, the company has a strong reputation for durability and luxury.
Material
Silver Plated over a base metal alloy (specifically Mappin & Webb's proprietary 'Prince's Plate', which utilizes a high-quality nickel silver base heavily coated with pure silver to prevent base metal bleed-through).
Dimensions
Standard caddy spoon size, typically measuring around 8 to 10 cm in length with a wide bowl suitable for measuring loose tea leaves.
Description
An elegant antique silver-plated caddy spoon by the esteemed maker Mappin & Webb. Crafted from their celebrated Prince's Plate, the spoon features a short, well-balanced handle leading to a gracefully flared bowl designed for scooping tea. Its polished surface and classic British form make it both a functional collectible and a charming piece of Victorian dining heritage.
Key Features
Proprietary 'Prince's Plate' branding, clear Mappin & Webb maker stamps, classic fiddle-shaped terminal, and a well-proportioned bowl tailored for tea caddies.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated over a base metal alloy (specifically Mappin & Webb's proprietary 'Prince's Plate', which utilizes a high-quality nickel silver base heavily coated with pure silver to prevent base metal bleed-through).
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish finish with a classic fiddle-back or shaped terminal silhouette, featuring smooth contours and clean lines characteristic of traditional British tableware design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible stamps include the Mappin & Webb maker's cartouche, the registered 'Prince's Plate' trade name mark, and quality/symbol marks indicating silver electroplate production.
Construction Details
Die-struck handle combined with a shaped and formed bowl, expertly hand-soldered and finished to ensure seamless integration and long-lasting durability typical of quality British electroplate.
Functional Features
Short, sturdy handle designed for comfortable gripping inside a tea caddy, paired with a wide, shallow bowl specifically scaled for scooping dry tea leaves.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle featuring a flared, shaped terminal end designed for ergonomic grip and balance during tea preparation.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial manufacturing of the Victorian era, combining precise die-striking with meticulous hand-finishing, polishing, and quality-control standards.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, crisp stamping of the maker's name and 'Prince's Plate' text, correct weight and gauge for late-Victorian electroplate, and authentic wear patterns appropriate for an antique tea accessory.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield and London, England. Produced in Mappin & Webb's renowned workshops adhering to high British manufacturing standards.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian Period (circa 1880-1910), indicated by the specific typography of the Prince's Plate trademark and prevailing domestic tea accessories design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1910 based on the style of the hallmarks and the widespread adoption of Prince's Plate during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the height of the Victorian and Edwardian afternoon tea ritual, where specialized utensils like caddy spoons were indicators of refined domestic life and hospitality.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Shows minor surface micro-scratches consistent with gentle use and age, with no significant loss of the silver plating or structural damage. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $40 and $120 USD, heavily dependent on collector demand for antique tea items, exact condition, and the presence of any rare pattern motifs.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Use dedicated silver-plated care products sparingly to avoid wearing through the electroplate layer. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth or pouch.
Similar Pieces
Sheffield plated tea caddies spoons by makers like Elkington & Co. or Walker & Hall, differing primarily in trademark stamps and terminal pattern variations.
Interesting Facts
Mappin & Webb's 'Prince's Plate' was heavily marketed as an alternative to solid sterling silver because it offered the rich appearance of silver with superior resistance to bending and wear, earning the favor of the British royal household.