British Sterling Silver Flatware Piece by D & A
Flatware - Serving Piece or Utensil Handle · D & A (makers mark visible in hallmarks, likely a regional British silversmith or manufacturer)
Pattern: Standard British traditional flatware handle pattern
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece or Utensil Handle
Maker
D & A (makers mark visible in hallmarks, likely a regional British silversmith or manufacturer)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness, as indicated by standard British hallmarks including the lion passant)
Dimensions
Standard flatware dimensions for a British service piece, individual item scale
Description
An authentic piece of British sterling silver flatware featuring a clear and well-struck series of hallmarks on the reverse of the handle, including the maker's mark 'D & A' and the reassuring lion passant for sterling silver quality.
Key Features
Crisp, legible British hallmarks featuring maker initials 'D & A', standard lion passant purity mark, and assay/date punches
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness, as indicated by standard British hallmarks including the lion passant)
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver with standard smooth handle contours typical of traditional British flatware
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear British hallmarks stamped into the metal surface including a shield maker's mark for D&A, standard fineness mark (lion passant for sterling), assay office mark, and a date letter punch
Construction Details
Die-struck or forged handle with traditional British silver manufacturing techniques
Functional Features
Flatware handle designed for comfortable dining or serving grip
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle integrated into the flatware form with clean tapering contours
Craftsmanship Details
Traditional British silversmithing output featuring precisely stamped hallmarks and durable construction built for generational use
Authentication Indicators
Genuine British hallmark punch depression, correct inclusion of maker mark, lion passant, and supplementary assay stamps in individual cartouches
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom, manufactured in accordance with British assay office standards
Era & Period
Likely Victorian or Edwardian era based on hallmark punch styles and typography
Age Estimate
Late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1880-1910) based on hallmark characteristics
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rigorous standards of the British Assay Office system established to protect consumers and guarantee precious metal standards
Condition Notes
Good antique condition with expected surface micro-scratches from age and use, hallmarks remain sharp and deeply struck
Value Estimate
Modest collector value based on silver weight and historical maker attribution, typically ranging from $30 to $100 depending on the specific flatware form
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with professional silver polish and a soft cloth, store in an anti-tarnish pouch or silvercloth roll
Similar Pieces
Various Victorian and Edwardian British sterling silver forks, spoons, and serving utensils by regional and London silversmiths
Interesting Facts
British hallmarking laws strictly regulate the stamping of precious metals, making maker marks like 'D & A' and the lion passant definitive legal guarantees of silver purity