British Sterling Silver Teaspoon by Samuel Godbehere & Edward Wigan
Flatware - Teaspoon · Samuel Godbehere & Edward Wigan, notable London silversmiths active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, known for producing quality flatware and hollowware.
Pattern: Plain Old English or Fiddle standard pattern typical of the Georgian period, highly sought after by collectors of antique British silver.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
Samuel Godbehere & Edward Wigan, notable London silversmiths active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, known for producing quality flatware and hollowware.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), complying with the strict British assay standards enforced by the London Assay Office.
Dimensions
Standard Georgian teaspoon length of approximately 12-14 cm (4.5 to 5.5 inches) with a corresponding weight typical of hand-wrought silver flatware of the era.
Description
A pair of charming antique British sterling silver teaspoons bearing the maker's mark of Samuel Godbehere & Edward Wigan. These spoons exhibit the classic simplicity and exceptional craftsmanship of the Georgian era, with smooth handles and bright polished bowls that reflect centuries of heritage.
Key Features
Distinctive 'SG EW' maker's punch mark, crisp punch strikes, and authentic Georgian flatware proportions.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), complying with the strict British assay standards enforced by the London Assay Office.
Finish & Decoration
High mirror polish with a smooth, unadorned surface typical of utilitarian Georgian flatware, showcasing clean lines and timeless elegance.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear punch-stamped hallmarks visible in the image showing the maker's mark 'SG' over 'EW' for Samuel Godbehere & Edward Wigan, alongside standard duty and fineness marks.
Construction Details
Hand-forged and die-rolled silver, typical of late 18th-century workshop production before full industrial mechanization took over mid-century flatware manufacturing.
Functional Features
Traditional teaspoon bowl and handle configuration designed for stirring tea and consuming desserts or beverages during formal Georgian tea service.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle tapering gracefully toward a rounded terminal end, offering comfortable balance and ergonomic grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-hammered and shaped with manually struck punch marks, displaying high levels of traditional British silversmithing skill.
Authentication Indicators
Clear punch-stamped maker's initials within individual cartouches, deep strikes, and patination appropriate for genuine Georgian-era sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England, manufactured within established silversmithing workshops operating under the strict oversight of the Goldsmiths' Company.
Era & Period
Georgian Period (1714-1837), specifically late 18th to early 19th century based on the maker's active working dates.
Age Estimate
Circa 1790-1810, deduced from the maker's partnership hallmark style and period typography.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rising popularity of tea culture in Georgian Britain, where silver spoons were status symbols used daily by the affluent middle and upper classes.
Condition Notes
Very Good antique condition with minor surface scratches and normal wear consistent with age and gentle use; hallmarks remain crisp and legible.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $40 to $120 USD per spoon depending on exact condition, set completeness, and current collector demand.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild dish soap and warm water, dry immediately with a soft microfiber cloth, and polish occasionally with a reputable silver cream like Wright's.
Similar Pieces
Georgian teaspoons by contemporary makers such as Hester Bateman, Peter & Ann Bateman, or Thomas Wallis.
Interesting Facts
Makers Samuel Godbehere and Edward Wigan registered their partnership marks around the late 18th century and were prolific suppliers of quality silverware in London.