British Sterling Silver Flatware Piece with Art Deco Fan Motif by Barker Brothers
Flatware - Serving or Dining Utensil · Barker Brothers (often Barker Bros. Ltd.), a well-known Birmingham-based silversmithing firm with a long-standing history of producing quality British silverware and plateware during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Pattern: Unidentified Art Deco geometric fan or sunburst motif, featuring stylized radiating lines contained within a rounded terminal.
Type
Flatware - Serving or Dining Utensil
Maker
Barker Brothers (often Barker Bros. Ltd.), a well-known Birmingham-based silversmithing firm with a long-standing history of producing quality British silverware and plateware during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Material
British Sterling Silver (.925 purity), as indicated by the standard lion passant hallmark.
Dimensions
Standard British flatware dimensions (exact measurements require physical inspection; likely a dessert fork, spoon, or medium serving implement weighing between 30 to 60 grams depending on exact form).
Description
An elegant piece of British sterling silver flatware featuring a classic tapering handle terminating in a stylized Art Deco fan or sunburst motif. The reverse displays a full set of clear Birmingham hallmarks including the lion passant and the distinctive Barker Brothers maker stamp, confirming its authentic provenance and solid silver composition.
Key Features
Distinctive Art Deco fan terminal decoration, fully stamped British hallmarks including the maker's initials BB, Birmingham assay mark, and sterling lion passant.
Material & Composition
British Sterling Silver (.925 purity), as indicated by the standard lion passant hallmark.
Finish & Decoration
Polished bright finish with crisp, pressed or stamped Art Deco fan/sunburst motif at the terminal handle, showcasing the clean geometric lines characteristic of the 1920s-1930s design movement.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear British hallmarks visible in a vertical punch sequence: a duty mark or monarch's head (top), a lion passant denoting sterling silver purity, an assay office mark (likely anchor for Birmingham), a date letter (looks like 'B'), and the maker's mark 'BB' in a diamond or shaped cartouche for Barker Brothers.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-finished, standard manufacturing method for early 20th-century commercial British silver flatware, ensuring uniform thickness and sharp detail in the stamped terminal decoration.
Functional Features
Ergonomically tapered handle expanding toward a decorative terminal for comfortable grip during dining or serving use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle integrated seamlessly into the stem, featuring a flat tapering profile and a distinct raised fan motif at the terminal end.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality commercial British silversmithing with precise die-struck ornamentation, clean edge smoothing, and sharp, legible punch-mark stamping.
Authentication Indicators
Authenticity strongly supported by deeply and cleanly struck British hallmarks (lion passant, assay mark, date letter, and maker's monogram cartouche) which show correct punch tool depth and standard British statutory markings.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England, manufactured by Barker Brothers within the heart of England's historic jewelry and silverware quarter.
Era & Period
Art Deco (1920-1940) / Late George V period, evidenced by the clean geometric styling and specific assay letter configuration.
Age Estimate
Circa 1925-1935, based on the Art Deco stylistic influence and standard British date letter conventions for the period.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the widespread adoption of Art Deco design principles in everyday domestic objects during the interwar period, bringing modern geometric art into British dining rooms.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. Shows minor surface hairline scratches and normal light wear consistent with gentle use and age-appropriate polishing, but maintains crisp hallmark impressions and strong structural integrity.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $30 to $90 USD depending on the specific flatware form (spoon, fork, or smaller server) and current collector demand for Art Deco British silver.
Care & Maintenance
Wash by hand in warm soapy water with a mild detergent and dry immediately with a soft cloth. Polish occasionally with a reputable silver cream (such as Wright's or Hagerty) and store in an anti-tarnish cloth or pouch.
Similar Pieces
Contemporary British sterling flatware from makers like Mappin & Webb, Elkington & Co., or Viner's featuring geometric or fan-themed Art Deco motifs.
Interesting Facts
Barker Brothers operated extensively in Birmingham and became known for efficient production of both sterling silver and high-grade silver plate, capturing the transition from ornate Edwardian styles to sleek modernist designs.