British Sterling Silver Teaspoon with Maker and Duty Hallmarks
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon) · British silversmith marked with initials "R", operating within the British assay system.
Pattern: Plain or Old English style flatware line, highly traditional British domestic silver production.
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon)
Maker
British silversmith marked with initials "R", operating within the British assay system.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), conforming to British legal standard for sterling silver.
Dimensions
Standard British teaspoon dimensions, approximately 12 to 14 cm in length, weighing roughly 15 to 25 grams.
Description
An elegant and classic British sterling silver teaspoon featuring a sleek, unadorned handle terminal. The reverse side clearly displays crisp punch-struck hallmarks including a maker's mark "R" and a monarch duty mark, testifying to its official assaying and high-purity silver content.
Key Features
Crisp punch-struck British hallmarks on the reverse stem including a duty mark and maker's initial "R".
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), conforming to British legal standard for sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Smooth polished finish with a downturned terminal typical of classic Georgian and Victorian British flatware patterns.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible British hallmarks including a duty mark (profile of reigning monarch's head), a maker's mark consisting of the letter "R" in a shaped cartouche, and likely a lion passant or standard mark.
Construction Details
Traditional hand-forged or die-rolled and shaped sterling silver construction typical of 18th to 19th-century British silver flatware.
Functional Features
Designed for stirring tea and portioning sugar or small amounts of liquid.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver integrated handle with a smooth, ergonomic downturned terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
Classic British silversmithing execution with well-defined structural taper and deeply and cleanly struck punch marks.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic indented hallmark impressions with characteristic punch displacement, matching historical British standard mark styles.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (London, Birmingham, or Sheffield assay offices), produced under strict British assay office regulations.
Era & Period
Georgian or Victorian Period, indicated by the monarch duty mark and punch style.
Age Estimate
Late 18th to 19th century, c. 1780-1850, based on the style of punch marks and duty head mark.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rich history of British afternoon tea culture and the rigorous consumer protection provided by the British assay office system.
Condition Notes
Very Good antique condition with minor surface wear consistent with age and gentle polishing, structural integrity is fully sound.
Value Estimate
Market value ranges between $30 to $100 USD depending on the exact date letter, specific maker attribution, and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash gently with mild dish soap and warm water, dry immediately with a soft microfiber cloth, and polish occasionally with a reputable silver cream.
Similar Pieces
Standard British provincial and London-made sterling teaspoons from the Georgian and Victorian eras by makers such as Hester Bateman or similar contemporaries.
Interesting Facts
The inclusion of the monarch duty mark dates this piece precisely to the period when King George III, George IV, William IV, or Queen Victoria levied a tax on silver plate.