George Howson (Harrison Brothers & Howson) Art Deco Sterling Silver Fork
Flatware (Dinner/Luncheon Fork) · George Howson, trading as Harrison Brothers & Howson. Founded in 1847 in Sheffield, the firm was a prestigious manufacturer and held Royal Warrants to Her Majesty Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.
Pattern: Geometric Art Deco Pattern (often referred to as 'Pyramid' style or 'Stepped'), introduced circa 1930s. Discontinued and highly collectible for its modernist aesthetic.
Type
Flatware (Dinner/Luncheon Fork)
Maker
George Howson, trading as Harrison Brothers & Howson. Founded in 1847 in Sheffield, the firm was a prestigious manufacturer and held Royal Warrants to Her Majesty Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with high-purity silver content as indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark.
Dimensions
Estimated length of 7.5 to 8 inches (standard dinner size). Anticipated weight per piece is approximately 50-65 grams based on heavy gauge Sheffield hallmarks.
Description
A striking example of British Art Deco silver, these forks by George Howson represent the peak of 1930s modernist design. Moving away from the ornate scrolls of the previous century, the pieces feature high-relief stepped edges and a sleek, architectural silhouette. The mirror finish on the heavy-gauge silver highlights the crispness of the Sheffield hallmarks.
Key Features
Geometric 'stepped' shoulder design; Crisp Sheffield hallmarks; 1936 't' date letter; 'GH' maker's mark within a rectangular cartouche; Crossed keys trade mark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with high-purity silver content as indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark.
Finish & Decoration
Bright mirror polish with Art Deco geometric stepped borders. Minimalist decoration emphasizing clean lines and architectural form typical of the 1930s machine-age aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The marks include: 'GH' (Maker's mark for George Howson), a Crown (Sheffield Assay Office), a Lion Passant (British Sterling Silver standard), and the date letter 't' (Sheffield 1936). There is also a crossed keys mark, a secondary trade mark for the firm.
Construction Details
Die-struck construction for precision of the geometric pattern, then hand-finished and polished. The tines would be hand-profiled and tapered for functionality.
Functional Features
Standard four-tine design with a tapered bolster for ergonomic grip. The squared-off handle provides balance and prevent rotation during use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle integrated with the head. Features a flat, rectangular profile with stepped edges providing a tactile grip typical of Deco flatware.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent gauge silver with sharply defined die-work. The edges of the 'steps' remain tactile and sharp, indicating high-quality manufacturing or limited wear over the last 80+ years.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are struck deeply and aligned correctly for 1930s Sheffield production. The spacing between the Lion, Crown, and Date letter is consistent with genuine British assaying standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Sheffield was the global center for high-quality cutlery production, utilizing traditional guilds and state-of-the-art die-cutting technology.
Era & Period
Art Deco (Inter-war period, circa 1936). Recognized by the rejection of Victorian floral ornament in favor of streamlined, industrial, and geometric motifs.
Age Estimate
1936. The date letter 't' in the Sheffield shield specifically denotes the year 1936.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of dining culture toward modernism, where flatware became an extension of industrial design and architecture rather than just a status symbol of traditional wealth.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Shows light surface scratches (swirls) consistent with moderate use and cleaning. Tines appear straight. Hallmarks are exceptionally clear and crisp, indicating minimal over-polishing.
Value Estimate
$75 - $125 USD per individual fork. Factors affecting value include the current market demand for Art Deco patterns and the presence of the Sheffield crown, which is favored by collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver foam or cream like Wright's. Avoid automated dishwashers as the heat and detergent can pit the silver surface and dull the crisp edges of the Deco pattern.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen's 'Pyramid' pattern (designed 1926) is the primary stylistic competitor, though Jensen pieces are typically Danish-marked and command higher premiums.
Interesting Facts
Harrison Brothers & Howson were renowned for their high-quality export wares and supplied many of the great ocean liners and grand hotels during the Art Deco era.