Gibson & Co. Fiddle Pattern Sterling Silver Teaspoon
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon) · Gibson & Co. (Belfast and/or Glasgow retailer/manufacturer)
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon)
Maker
Gibson & Co. (Belfast and/or Glasgow retailer/manufacturer)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size, approximately 13-15 cm in length and weighing roughly 15-25 grams
Description
A classic British sterling silver teaspoon in the enduring Fiddle pattern, featuring clear hallmarks and the retail or maker stamp of Gibson & Co. Ltd. The handle terminates in a graceful, traditional downturned shape, showing timeless elegance and sturdy construction.
Key Features
Crisp British hallmarks, clear 'GIBSON & CO LTD' retailer/maker stamp, and the iconic Fiddle pattern silhouette
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Finish & Decoration
Bright polish finish with a traditional Fiddle handle profile
Hallmarks & Stamps
Maker's mark 'GIBSON & CO LTD', assay office marks including the Crown (for British sterling), Lion Passant (.925 sterling silver standard), and a date letter stamp
Construction Details
Die-struck or forged handle with a joined bowl, standard commercial manufacturing techniques of the late Victorian or Edwardian period
Functional Features
Individual beverage stirring and tea service use
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver Fiddle pattern handle with a flattened, down-turned terminal
Craftsmanship Details
Well-balanced proportions with clean lines, neatly struck hallmarks, and a smooth, polished surface reflecting standard high-grade commercial British silversmithing
Authentication Indicators
Legible standard British hallmarks including the lion passant and assay office marks, showing authentic struck impressions rather than cast copies
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom or Ireland (British assay marks indicating manufacture or retail in British assay towns)
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Edwardian Period (circa late 19th to early 20th century)
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1910, based on the style of the maker's mark and British hallmarks
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of British formal dining and tea culture during the height of the Empire, where matching or retailer-branded flatware was a staple of bourgeois households
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition with minor surface scratches consistent with careful use and polishing over time; structure remains sound with no repairs
Value Estimate
20 to 50 USD, depending on exact weight, collector demand, and whether it is part of a larger matched set
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soapy water, dry immediately with a soft cloth, and occasionally polish with a reputable silver cream to maintain the bright finish
Similar Pieces
Late 19th-century Fiddle pattern teaspoons by major British makers such as Elkington & Co., Mappin & Webb, or Wakely & Wheeler
Interesting Facts
Gibson & Co. operated prominent high-end jewelry and silversmith establishments in Belfast and Glasgow during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often retailing fine quality silver items