George IV Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Teaspoon, London 1827
Flatware - Teaspoon · William Chawner II, London. Chawner was one of the most prolific and respected flatware specialists of the early 19th century, known for exceptional durability and standard-setting designs.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern. Introduced in the late 18th century, it became the dominant British flatware style of the 19th century. This specific example features the classic 'shoulders' above the bowl.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
William Chawner II, London. Chawner was one of the most prolific and respected flatware specialists of the early 19th century, known for exceptional durability and standard-setting designs.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout with no weighted components or base metals.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length approximately 13-14 cm (5.25-5.5 inches). Estimated weight 18-22 grams (0.6-0.7 troy ounces).
Description
An elegant and sturdy example of late Georgian silver. This teaspoon embodies the transition from the delicacy of the 18th century to the industrial weight of the 19th. The hallmarks are deeply struck and legible, positioned on the rear of the stem near the terminal.
Key Features
Robust Chawner construction, clear 5-part hallmark sequence, and the distinctive 'shoulders' on the stem that identify it as a high-quality hand-forged piece.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout with no weighted components or base metals.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish finish with a plain, unadorned surface typical of the utilitarian Fiddle style. The decoration is limited to the functional 'fiddle' shape of the handle terminal and the characteristic 'shoulders' at the base of the stem.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Full set of London marks: Maker's mark 'WC' (William Chawner II); Lion Passant (Sterling); Leopard's Head (London); Date letter 'm' (1827); Duty Mark (King George IV profile).
Construction Details
Hand-forged from a single silver ingot. The marks show slight compression of the metal, and the 'bowl-to-stem' transition is thick and robust, characteristic of Chawner's workshop.
Functional Features
Tapered fiddle-head handle for improved grip; 'shouldered' stem prevents the spoon from slipping into deep bowls or mugs.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with a spatulate 'fiddle' end. The lack of a monogram suggests it was part of a larger service or may have had a monogram professionally removed.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-wrought evidence found in the tapering thickness of the stem and the hand-finished edges of the bowl. The hallmarks were individually hand-struck.
Authentication Indicators
The 'WC' maker's mark used between 1815-1834 aligns perfectly with the 1827 date letter and the George IV duty mark. Metal flow around the stamps confirms they were struck into solid precious metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Produced in the Chawner workshop, which was the premier source for high-quality flatware for major retailers during the 1820s.
Era & Period
Late George IV (Georgian Period). Reflects the shift toward more substantial, heavier flatware designs that preceded the Victorian era.
Age Estimate
Dated 1827 based on the lowercase 'm' date letter for the London Assay Office and the George IV duty mark.
Cultural Significance
Fiddle pattern silver became the hallmark of the rising middle class in Regency and Victorian England, symbolizing stability, practicality, and the formalization of the afternoon tea ritual.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible surface scratches (swirl marks) consistent with 200 years of use. Some softening to the tip of the bowl. Hallmarks remain crisp and are not overly rubbed.
Value Estimate
$40 - $75 USD for a single teaspoon. Value increases significantly when sold as part of a hallmarked matched set of six or twelve.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid automated dishwashers which can pit the silver surface. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Old English pattern (no shoulders, rounded end); Kings pattern (highly ornate shell decoration); French Fiddle (often lacks the stem shoulders).
Interesting Facts
The Chawner family dominated the London trade for decades; William Chawner's daughter Mary and son-in-law George Adams eventually formed Chawner & Co., which became the world's largest silver flatware manufacturer.