Victorian Sterling Silver Caddy Spoon / Sifter by H. Williamson Ltd
Flatware (Serving Piece / Caddy Spoon) · H. Williamson Ltd (associated with Birmingham silversmithing)
Pattern: Victorian Scroll and Shell Pattern
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece / Caddy Spoon)
Maker
H. Williamson Ltd (associated with Birmingham silversmithing)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Dimensions
Standard caddy spoon size, approximately 3 to 4 inches in length, estimated weight 15 to 25 grams
Description
An exquisite Victorian sterling silver caddy spoon featuring a highly decorative pierced shell-form bowl and an ornate, textured cast handle. The rich Rococo revival motifs reflect the height of Victorian decorative arts, combining practical tea service utility with intricate craftsmanship.
Key Features
Pierced shell bowl, deeply textured stippled handle recesses, clear Birmingham hallmarks on the stem
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Finish & Decoration
Bright polish with oxidized/stippled recesses in the cast handle and pierced shell-form bowl in the Rococo revival style
Hallmarks & Stamps
British hallmarks visible on the stem including the anchor (Birmingham assay office), lion passant (sterling standard), and a date letter
Construction Details
Cast handle with detailed relief work, joined or seamlessly integrated with a pierced and shaped bowl
Functional Features
Pierced bowl designed for sifting tea leaves or serving loose leaf tea from a caddy
Handle & Grip Details
Solid cast silver handle featuring intricate scrollwork and stippled background, ergonomic short grip
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-stamping and casting combined with hand-piercing of the shell bowl, demonstrating skilled Victorian silversmithing techniques
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British sterling hallmarks including the Birmingham anchor and lion passant punched clearly into the shank, consistent with late 19th-century manufacturing practices
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England; manufactured in accordance with traditional British assay standards
Era & Period
Late Victorian Era (c. 1880-1901)
Age Estimate
Late 19th century, circa 1890
Cultural Significance
Reflects the elaborate Victorian ritual of afternoon tea and the era's obsession with ornamental, highly specialized tableware
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition with light surface wear, minor tarnish in recessed areas, and structurally sound
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $100 to $250 USD depending on exact weight, maker, and crispness of hallmarks
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft cloth and specialized silver polish; avoid abrasive dips that could harm the oxidized stippled details; store in a tarnish-resistant cloth
Similar Pieces
Victorian and Edwardian shell-bowl caddy spoons by makers such as Hilliard & Thomason or George Unite
Interesting Facts
Caddy spoons became highly collectible in the 19th century as tea transformed from a rare luxury to a staple of British social life, prompting silversmiths to produce whimsical and ornate designs