British Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Dinner Fork
Flatware (Fork) · British silversmith, likely active in the mid-19th century
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern
Type
Flatware (Fork)
Maker
British silversmith, likely active in the mid-19th century
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Dimensions
Standard dinner fork size, approximately 18-20 cm in length, weighing roughly 50-70 grams.
Description
An elegant and sturdy British sterling silver dinner fork crafted in the classic Fiddle pattern. The piece features a gracefully curved stem leading to a broadened, rounded terminal and four well-proportioned tines. Crisp hallmarks are visibly stamped near the terminal, attesting to its sterling quality and British origin.
Key Features
Classic Fiddle pattern silhouette, legible British hallmark punch, robust four-tine construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Finish & Decoration
Plain polished surface with single-struck shoulders; traditional Georgian and Victorian Fiddle design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear series of British hallmarks including maker initials, lion passant for sterling, an assay office mark, and a date letter.
Construction Details
Die-struck and hand-finished with soldered tines and shaped handle.
Functional Features
Four-tined table fork intended for dining use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver Fiddle pattern handle with a flattened, widened terminal end.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-struck blank with hand-shaped and polished tines, demonstrating standard British silversmithing precision.
Authentication Indicators
Clear punch marks, standard lion passant sterling symbol, and appropriate weight distribution confirm authenticity.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (London, Birmingham, or Sheffield assay offices), manufactured using traditional British silversmithing techniques.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901) or late Georgian period, indicated by the Fiddle design and hallmark arrangement.
Age Estimate
Mid-19th century, circa 1840-1880
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal dining standards and middle-to-upper-class domestic customs of the Victorian era in Great Britain.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition with moderate tarnish, minor surface scratches consistent with age and use, and well-preserved hallmarks.
Value Estimate
30 to 80 USD depending on exact weight, maker, and current precious metals market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polishing cream and soft cloth. Store in an anti-tarnish cloth or bag in a dry environment.
Similar Pieces
Fiddle and Thread pattern forks, Queen's pattern forks, and Old English pattern flatware by various British makers.
Interesting Facts
The Fiddle pattern was one of the most popular cutlery designs in 19th-century Britain, favored for its simple yet refined elegance and comfortable grip.