Tiddle & Bond Silver Plated Fiddle Pattern Spoon Ring
Jewelry (Spoon Ring) · Tiddle & Bond (Birmingham, UK). Established as manufacturers of high-quality electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) flatware during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern (Classic English). This specific variant features a shouldered handle. The pattern originated in France in the 1760s and became the most popular British flatware style of the 19th century.
Type
Jewelry (Spoon Ring)
Maker
Tiddle & Bond (Birmingham, UK). Established as manufacturers of high-quality electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) flatware during the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is nickel silver (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc) coated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Dimensions
Estimated ring size 7-9 (adjustable due to bypass design). Weight approximately 8-12 grams. The width at the terminal is roughly 15mm tapering to 4mm at the shoulder.
Description
This unique piece of jewelry is a 'Spoon Ring' fashioned from the handle of a vintage Tiddle & Bond silver-plated spoon. Featuring the iconic Fiddle pattern, the ring showcases clear pseudo-hallmarks that add a historic, industrial aesthetic. The bypass design wraps the finger elegantly, highlighting the transition from the slender handle to the broad, flared terminal typical of 19th-century British flatware.
Key Features
Bold 'T. & B.' maker's mark; characteristic Fiddle pattern shoulders; EPNS pseudo-hallmarks; repurposed vintage aesthetic.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is nickel silver (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc) coated with a thin layer of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Polished surface with natural oxidation. The design is a minimalist 'Fiddle' shape characterized by the broad, spatula-like end and prominent 'shoulders' near the midpoint of the original spoon handle.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamps 'T. & B.' represent the makers Tiddle & Bond. The letters 'E', 'P', 'N', 'S' inside individual gothic or circular shields are pseudo-hallmarks indicating Electroplated Nickel Silver, designed to mimic the appearance of genuine sterling silver hallmarks.
Construction Details
Repurposed construction. Originally die-struck as a flatware handle, it has been cold-bent or annealed and wrapped into a bypass ring shape. Evidence of the original cut at the bowl end is hidden on the interior.
Functional Features
Bypass wrap design allows for minor size adjustment. The interior retains the curved profile of the original spoon handle for comfortable wear.
Handle & Grip Details
The 'grip' is the ring shank itself, formed from the upper stem of a tea or dessert spoon. The metal shows characteristic softening of the edges from decades of original use before being converted.
Craftsmanship Details
The bending shows evidence of heat treatment to prevent clicking or snapping of the metal. The marks are well-preserved and centrally aligned, indicating a thoughtful choice of the donor spoon section.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of 'EPNS' and 'T.&B.' stamps confirms this is not sterling silver but a high-quality vintage plated piece. The wear patterns on the plating are consistent with the age of the original donor spoon.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in the historic Jewellery Quarter known for both silver plating and contemporary jewelry making.
Era & Period
Original spoon manufactured c. 1890-1910 (Late Victorian/Edwardian). The jewelry conversion is likely modern (late 20th century to present), following the 'Spoon Ring' trend popularized in the 1960s-70s.
Age Estimate
Original hardware: circa 1900. Conversion to ring: circa 1970-2020.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'upcycling' movement and the enduring popularity of Victorian flatware patterns in modern fashion. It serves as a wearable piece of social history.
Condition Notes
Good condition. There is visible wear to the silver plating on the edges (showing the slightly yellowish nickel silver base), consistent with the 'shabby chic' look of vintage spoon rings. Minor surface scratches and moderate tarnish in the recessed marks.
Value Estimate
$25 - $45 USD. Value is based on the vintage appeal and craftsmanship of the conversion rather than metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a soft cloth and mild silver cream. Avoid abrasive cleaners that will strip the remaining silver plating. Store in a dry, flannel-lined box to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Spoon Rings (higher value, genuine silver); Gorham Chantilly Rings (more ornate, sterling); generic modern stainless steel replicas (lower value, no hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
Spoon rings originated in 17th-century England as a way for servants to create wedding rings by stealing silver spoons from their masters' estates. They saw a major resurgence in the hippie culture of the late 1960s.
Notes
Spoon