British Sterling Silver Flatware Piece by Wakely & Wheeler
Flatware (Serving Piece or Utensil) · Wakely & Wheeler (Jimmy Wakely and Frank Wheeler), established in London, known for high-quality modern and traditional sterling silver tableware and flatware.
Pattern: Standard utilitarian or plain pattern with traditional English fiddle or similar handle profile.
Type
Flatware (Serving Piece or Utensil)
Maker
Wakely & Wheeler (Jimmy Wakely and Frank Wheeler), established in London, known for high-quality modern and traditional sterling silver tableware and flatware.
Material
British Sterling Silver (.925 fineness).
Dimensions
Standard table flatware size, individual weight varies by exact piece (typically 40 to 80 grams for forks/spoons).
Description
A classic piece of British sterling silver flatware showcasing a crisp, well-struck set of London hallmarks including the leopard's head and the Wakely & Wheeler maker's mark. The piece exhibits the fine weight and lustrous finish expected of mid-century British silver manufacturing.
Key Features
Complete and crisp punch of British hallmarks including the London Leopard's head, lion passant, and distinct 'W&W' maker's mark.
Material & Composition
British Sterling Silver (.925 fineness).
Finish & Decoration
High-polish finish with plain surface, characteristic of traditional British functional flatware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear British hallmarks visible in sequence: Lion Passant (.925 sterling standard), Leopard's Head (London assay office), date letter (gothic script 'z'), Sovereign's head duty mark, and the maker's mark 'W&W' for Wakely & Wheeler.
Construction Details
Die-struck and hand-finished British sterling silver flatware construction.
Functional Features
Designed for table dining or serving use, balanced ergonomics.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle integral to the utensil body.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality British manufacturing with deeply struck hallmarks and durable gauge sterling silver.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British hallmark sequence with punches matching standard London assay registry practices for Wakely & Wheeler.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England, manufactured in accordance with strict British assay office standards.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century, indicated by the specific assay office date letter style associated with the London office in the mid-1900s.
Age Estimate
Circa mid-20th century (likely 1940s-1960s based on the date letter 'z' and maker's mark configuration).
Cultural Significance
Represents the enduring tradition of British silver hallmarks, which have guaranteed precious metal purity since the Middle Ages.
Condition Notes
Very good antique/vintage condition with minor surface scratches consistent with careful use and polishing. No structural damage or repairs.
Value Estimate
Moderate collector and scrap value range depending on exact item type and current silver spot prices, typically between $50 to $150 USD.
Care & Maintenance
Wash gently in warm soapy water, dry thoroughly with a soft cloth, and polish periodically with quality silver cream like Wright's.
Similar Pieces
Standard Victorian and Edwardian British sterling flatware by makers like Mappin & Webb or Elkington & Co.
Interesting Facts
Wakely & Wheeler acquired the business of the famed silversmiths Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company in the mid-20th century, carrying on a legacy of premier London craftsmanship.