Victorian Fiddle Pattern Sterling Silver Tablespoon by Chawner & Co (George Adams)
Flatware - Serving/Tablespoon · Chawner & Co. (George Adams), London. Founded in 1815, George Adams took over in 1840, making it the most prolific and prestigious flatware specialist in Victorian England.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern, a classic English provincial-style shape inherited from French 'unispalt' designs. Extremely popular throughout the 19th century and still highly collectible for its minimalist utility.
Type
Flatware - Serving/Tablespoon
Maker
Chawner & Co. (George Adams), London. Founded in 1815, George Adams took over in 1840, making it the most prolific and prestigious flatware specialist in Victorian England.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). Solid through-and-through silver without base metal. Approximate weight for this era's spoon is 70-80 grams (2.25-2.57 troy oz).
Dimensions
Length: approx. 8.5 to 9 inches (21-23 cm). Weight: Approximately 75 grams. This is a full-sized 'tablespoon' intended for serving, much larger than a modern 'place spoon'.
Description
An exemplary piece of Victorian utility, this George Adams tablespoon represents the pinnacle of London silver production. The heavy gauge of the silver and the crispness of the fiddle shoulders reflect Chawner & Co's reputation as the premier flatware supplier to retailers like Garrard's and Tiffany’s London branch.
Key Features
High silver gauge (heavy weight), distinct 'shoulders' on the stem near the bowl, and the iconic 'GA' hallmark of George Adams, the most sought-after name in antique English flatware.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness). Solid through-and-through silver without base metal. Approximate weight for this era's spoon is 70-80 grams (2.25-2.57 troy oz).
Finish & Decoration
Satin-to-mirror polish with traditional 'bright-cut' or smooth finish. The spoon features a 'shouldered' stem above the bowl and a classic 'fiddle' shaped terminal. It is unmonogrammed, which is highly desirable for modern users.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse handle exhibits a full set of British hallmarks: Maker's mark (GA for George Adams), Lion Passant (Sterling), Leopard's Head (London Assay Office), Date Letter (Victorian era gothic or Roman letter), and the Sovereign's Head duty mark (Queen Victoria).
Construction Details
Hand-forged and die-struck. The drop (where the handle meets the bowl) shows the reinforcement typical of high-quality mid-19th-century English manufacturing, ensuring the bowl does not bend under weight.
Functional Features
Deep ovoid bowl designed for efficient serving of vegetables or desserts. The flat fiddle-shaped terminal provides a comfortable grip and prevents the spoon from rotating in the hand.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver fiddle-style handle. The terminal remains 'blank' (no crest or initials), which suggests it may never have been part of a commissioned set or has been professionally buffed.
Craftsmanship Details
Superb. The transition from the square shoulders to the tapering stem is seamless. The die-struck hallmarks are deep and well-spaced, signifying a piece from a master silversmith who took pride in the 'hidden' details.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the four/five hallmark stamps is typical of period London silver. The 'drop' at the back of the bowl is correctly shaped for a genuine hand-forged Chawner piece. Weight-to-balance ratio is consistent with high-grade sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, United Kingdom. Manufactured at the Chawner & Co. workshop, Hospital Square, London, known for having the highest standards of flatware forging in the world at the time.
Era & Period
Early to Mid-Victorian (approx. 1840-1880). The Fiddle pattern was the standard of middle and upper-class Victorian dining before the transition to more ornate Rococo revival styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1850-1865 based on the George Adams (GA) maker's mark and the presence of the Victorian Duty Mark which was discontinued in 1890.
Cultural Significance
The Fiddle pattern became the 'democratic' pattern of the 19th century, bridging the gap between the aristocracy's ornate patterns and the emerging middle class's desire for durable, elegant, and useful precious metal goods.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Excellent. The bowl shows minimal 'rolling' (thinning from use). The hallmarks are clear and not overly rubbed. Minor surface scratches consistent with careful use and light tarnish in the crevices.
Value Estimate
$120 - $185 USD. Factors including the 'GA' maker's mark and the heavy weight boost value over generic provincial fiddle spoons.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only in warm soapy water. Use a high-quality polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. To prevent tarnish, store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll. Avoid rubber bands, which cause permanent black scarring on silver.
Similar Pieces
William Eaton Fiddle Spoon (similar weight, different mark), Gorham 'Old English' (lighter gauge, American), or Modern Silver Plate 'Fiddle' (much lighter, no hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
George Adams pieces are so well-regarded that they are often used as the 'standard' for modern reproductions. His firm was the largest supplier to the Great Exhibition of 1851 at the Crystal Palace.