British Sterling Silver Spoons with Fan Motifs
Flatware - Spoon · Unknown British Silversmith (Maker's mark visible as initials within a diamond/lozenge shape, alongside traditional British assay and duty marks)
Pattern: Art Deco / Art Nouveau transitional pattern featuring a prominent fan or palmette motif at the terminal
Type
Flatware - Spoon
Maker
Unknown British Silversmith (Maker's mark visible as initials within a diamond/lozenge shape, alongside traditional British assay and duty marks)
Material
British Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Dimensions
Standard spoon dimensions (likely teaspoon or dessert size), exact weight and measurements unverified by direct scale and caliper reading
Description
A pair of matching British sterling silver spoons featuring elegant tapered handles and a striking fan or palmette motif stamped at the terminal. The reverse of each handle bears a complete set of crisp British hallmarks including the lion passant and maker's lozenge, demonstrating high craftsmanship and adherence to strict UK assay standards.
Key Features
Complete and legible British hallmark sequence, distinctive fan-shaped terminal design, solid sterling silver construction
Material & Composition
British Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with a distinctive cast or stamped fan/shell terminal motif at the base of the handle
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear British hallmarking sequence visible: Duty mark (sovereign head profile), Lion Passant (.925 sterling standard), Assay office mark (likely leopard's head for London or anchor for Birmingham), Date letter (B), and Maker's mark within a diamond lozenge shape
Construction Details
Die-struck handles with applied or integrally stamped terminal decoration, standard machine-assisted and hand-finished British flatware construction
Functional Features
Standard eating or serving spoon utility with ergonomically tapered fiddle-pattern style handle
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver tapered handle terminating in a decorative ribbed fan or shell motif
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-stamping with crisp edges on the terminal fan motif and deeply punched, legible hallmarks indicating professional workshop standards
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a fully struck British hallmark chain (purity lion, assay mark, duty mark, and maker's lozenge) strongly authenticates the pieces as genuine British sterling silver rather than modern reproductions
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (British assay office standard)
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early 20th Century or Art Deco transition period, indicated by the style and hallmark layout
Age Estimate
Likely late 19th to early 20th century, identifiable precisely by the specific date letter 'B' and sovereign duty mark in the hallmark chain
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Victorian and Edwardian obsession with decorative table flatware where even utilitarian objects like spoons featured elevated artistic motifs
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition with minor surface hairline scratches consistent with light use and age-appropriate polishing; hallmarks remain exceptionally crisp and deep
Value Estimate
Moderate antique market value, largely dependent on the exact gram weight, full silver content, and collector demand for the specific maker identified by the lozenge mark
Care & Maintenance
Wash gently in warm water with mild dish soap, dry immediately with a soft microfiber cloth, and polish periodically using a reputable silver cream (such as Wright's); store in anti-tarnish cloth or a Pacific Silvercloth pouch
Similar Pieces
Various British fiddle-thread or terminal-decorated flatware sets by prominent makers such as Elkington & Co., Mappin & Webb, or Walker & Hall
Interesting Facts
British hallmarking laws are among the oldest consumer protection laws in the world, allowing historians to date precious metal items precisely down to the exact assay office and year of production using the stamped date letters