Mappin & Webb British Military Issue Flatware Spoon, 1940
Flatware (Dessert/Soup Spoon) · Mappin & Webb, a prestigious British silversmith founded in 1775. They held royal warrants to five successive monarchs and were renowned for both high-end luxury goods and durable institutional canteen ware.
Pattern: Old English Pattern, a classic and utilitarian design featured by its rounded handle end and simple profile, favored for military and government contracts.
Type
Flatware (Dessert/Soup Spoon)
Maker
Mappin & Webb, a prestigious British silversmith founded in 1775. They held royal warrants to five successive monarchs and were renowned for both high-end luxury goods and durable institutional canteen ware.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The absence of a lion passant indicates this is not sterling silver but a high-quality base metal (nickel, copper, zinc) electroplated with silver.
Dimensions
Approximately 17-18 cm (7 inches) in length; estimated weight 45-55 grams. This is standard sizing for a dessert or small soup spoon.
Description
A piece of functional history, this spoon was manufactured by the elite silversmiths Mappin & Webb specifically for the British War Department. While many of the firm's pieces graced royal tables, this item was built for durability in the officer's mess or field canteens. It features a heavy gauge of silver plate and the unmistakable broad arrow stamp of government ownership.
Key Features
The Broad Arrow (Pheon) stamp and the explicit '1940' date mark are the primary diagnostic features for WWII military collectors.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The absence of a lion passant indicates this is not sterling silver but a high-quality base metal (nickel, copper, zinc) electroplated with silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin to semi-bright finish with evidence of heavy commercial use. The design is strictly utilitarian with no engraving or chasing, typical of military-contracted pieces.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'MAPPIN & WEBB' in a rectangular block; '1940' indicating the production year; and the 'Broad Arrow' (Pheon) symbol, denoting British Government/War Department property.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck from a single heavy-gauge sheet of nickel silver and then electroplated. This method ensured uniformity and structural strength for field and mess hall use.
Functional Features
Deep, oval bowl for versatile dining; rounded handle for comfort; durable thickness to prevent bending during heavy use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid handle with flared, rounded (Old English) terminal. The handle is integrated into the body (one-piece construction).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. While machine-made, the stamping is clean and the weight is significantly heavier than modern consumer-grade silver plate.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic Mappin & Webb font; genuine broad arrow stamp with appropriate depth; age-appropriate patina and wear patterns within the stamp recesses.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom, likely manufactured in Sheffield or London. Mappin & Webb's Sheffield factories were major contributors to the war effort through silverware and cutlery production.
Era & Period
World War II era (1939-1945). The 1940 date places it during the height of the Battle of Britain and the intensification of British military production.
Age Estimate
Specifically dated 1940 by the stamped date mark.
Cultural Significance
Represents the total mobilization of British industry during WWII, where even luxury goods manufacturers provided standardized equipment to the armed forces.
Condition Notes
Good/Fair vintage condition. Exhibits heavy surface scratching and 'pitting' consistent with decades of use. There are minor signs of 'bleeding' where the base metal shows through the silver plate.
Value Estimate
Individual spoons of this type typically retail for $15 to $30 USD. The value lies in the historical military association rather than metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water. If polishing is desired, use a non-abrasive silver foam. Excessive polishing will remove the remaining silver plate and expose the yellow-green nickel base metal.
Similar Pieces
Similar flatware was produced by Walker & Hall or Elkington & Co under military contract. These can be distinguished by different maker's name stamps but similar broad arrow markings.
Interesting Facts
During WWII, luxury silversmiths like Mappin & Webb were required to shift production to aid the war effort. The 'Broad Arrow' mark on this silver has been used since the 16th century to identify British government property.