Roberts & Belk Sterling Silver Bowl or Hollowware Piece
Hollowware · Roberts & Belk Ltd., a prestigious Sheffield-based silversmith founded in 1863 (originally Roberts & Hall). They were renowned for high-quality silver and electroplate, holding Royal Warrants and supplying luxury liners like the Titanic.
Pattern: Traditional Sheffield Style; specific pattern not identifiable from base, though the serial number 8076 indicates a specific workshop design.
Type
Hollowware
Maker
Roberts & Belk Ltd., a prestigious Sheffield-based silversmith founded in 1863 (originally Roberts & Hall). They were renowned for high-quality silver and electroplate, holding Royal Warrants and supplying luxury liners like the Titanic.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Evidence provided by the Lion Passant hallmark. Total silver content is consistent with British legal standards for sterling.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter 10-15cm based on hallmark scale. Weight typically ranges between 150g to 350g depending on the height and gauge of the silver sheet used.
Description
This is a sterling silver hollowware base produced by the esteemed firm Roberts & Belk. The hallmarks are exceptionally crisp, showing the pride of Sheffield craftsmanship. The piece features a prominent maker's mark and a secondary workshop stamp, alongside the standard British assay marks. The interior shows evidence of hand-finishing, typical of high-end English silver from the early 20th century.
Key Features
Triple-stamped maker identification (Trade mark, initials, and pattern number 8076). The clarity of the 1912 Sheffield date letter is a primary diagnostic feature for collectors.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Evidence provided by the Lion Passant hallmark. Total silver content is consistent with British legal standards for sterling.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish on the base. The presence of 'pushed' decoration marks near the center suggests the exterior may feature repoussé or chased floral/scroll motifs typical of the late Victorian or Edwardian periods.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A full set of Sheffield hallmarks: 'R&B' in a shield (Maker's Mark for Roberts & Belk), Lion Passant (Sterling), Crown (Sheffield Assay Office), and date letter 'u' in a shield (specifically 1912). A separate 'R&B' trade mark in a shaped shield is also stamped above.
Construction Details
Raised and spun construction. The circular tool marks on the base indicate the piece was finished on a lathe. The three dark indentations suggest the piece may have had applied feet or a central pedestal that has been removed or damaged.
Functional Features
Hollow vessel design likely used as a sugar bowl, rose bowl, or sweets dish. The base features a pattern number '8076' for factory inventory tracking.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible on the base; however, the piece likely featured a plain or rolled rim for structural integrity.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of high-quality die-stamping for the hallmarks. The circular finish indicates skilled lathe work, while the gauge of the silver appears thick enough to resist major denting, typical of Roberts & Belk's 'heavy' silver standard.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are struck with correct alignment and depth for the period. The wear patterns around the '8076' stamp are consistent with a century of shelf wear. The serif font on the date letter matches the Registered Sheffield assay charts for 1912.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Sheffield is historically the world center for silver plate and high-quality sterling hollowware production.
Era & Period
Late Edwardian / George V transition (1910-1920). The design language of this period often blended Victorian ornate styles with the cleaner lines of the early 20th century.
Age Estimate
1912. The hallmark 'u' for the Sheffield office is the definitive indicator for this specific year.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the Edwardian middle-class aspiration for 'Sunday Best' table service. Such pieces were essential for formal tea ceremonies which were a hallmark of British social status.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There are heavy surface scratches and three significant circular depressions or holes in the center of the base. These suggests the piece may be missing its original base or feet, or has suffered structural compromise. Tarnish is light but visible in the crevices.
Value Estimate
£100 - £250 ($130 - $320 USD). Value is primarily in the silver weight and the prestige of the maker, though the apparent damage/alteration to the base significantly limits its value to serious collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a high-quality silver cream like Wright’s. Avoid chemical dips as they can strip the patina. Due to the holes/damage in the base, avoid immersion in water if the piece is weighted or has a hollow cavity.
Similar Pieces
Similar hollowware by Walker & Hall or Mappin & Webb. Roberts & Belk is often preferred by collectors for their heavier gauge silver compared to mass-market competitors.
Interesting Facts
Roberts & Belk silver was famously used in the first-class dining rooms of the RMS Titanic and the Olympic. Their pieces represent the 'Golden Age' of British luxury travel and dining etiquette.