British Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Teaspoon
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon) · British Provincial or London Silversmith (Maker's mark partially obscured/worn)
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon)
Maker
British Provincial or London Silversmith (Maker's mark partially obscured/worn)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size, approximately 13 to 15 cm in length, weighing roughly 15 to 25 grams.
Description
An elegant antique British sterling silver teaspoon executed in the classic Fiddle pattern. The handle features the distinct shoulder swells and expanded flat terminal typical of formal dining flatware from the Georgian and Victorian periods. The reverse of the stem displays a clear sequence of traditional British hallmarks guaranteeing its sterling purity.
Key Features
Classic Fiddle pattern silhouette, legible British statutory hallmarks including the lion passant and duty mark, smooth unmonogrammed terminal.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Finish & Decoration
Plain polished surface with characteristic Fiddle pattern shoulder swells, characteristic of 19th-century traditional British flatware design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
British hallmarks visible on the stem reverse including a duty mark (sovereign's head), lion passant (.925 standard), leopard's head or assay office mark, and a date letter stamp, indicating British assay office testing.
Construction Details
Traditional die-struck or hand-forged blank with applied bowl, typical of 19th-century British flatware manufacturing techniques.
Functional Features
Standard single-bowl teaspoon designed for stirring tea and consuming beverages or desserts.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver Fiddle pattern handle featuring an expanded terminal and shoulders, providing a comfortable and balanced grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Solid traditional silver construction showcasing balanced weight distribution, neat bowl shaping, and clearly struck historical hallmarks.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British hallmark punch sequence featuring standard purity, assay office, and duty marks confirming genuine sterling silver composition.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (Assayed in London, Birmingham, Sheffield, or Dublin)
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901) or late Georgian Period
Age Estimate
Mid to late 19th century, circa 1840-1880
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal ritual of tea drinking and domestic dining standards during the height of the British Empire.
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition with minor surface scratches and expected wear from age and gentle use. The hallmarks remain legible though slightly softened by polishing over time.
Value Estimate
Market value ranges between $20 and $50 USD depending on the specific maker, exact date letter, and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only using mild dish soap and warm water. Dry immediately with a soft microfiber cloth. Polish periodically with a trusted silver cream like Wright's and store in an anti-tarnish pouch.
Similar Pieces
Other 19th-century British fiddle pattern flatware including dessert spoons and forks by various London and provincial makers.
Interesting Facts
The Fiddle pattern became the dominant flatware design in Britain throughout the 19th century, evolving from earlier Old English patterns and remaining a staple of traditional table settings.