Edwardian Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Teaspoon by Josiah Williams & Co
Flatware - Teaspoon · Josiah Williams & Co (George Maudsley Jackson & David Landsborough Chase), a prominent manufacturing silversmith firm based in Exeter/Bristol and London, established mid-19th century.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern, a traditional Georgian and Victorian staple, characterized by a shoulder above the bowl and a broad, flat, fiddle-shaped handle end.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
Josiah Williams & Co (George Maudsley Jackson & David Landsborough Chase), a prominent manufacturing silversmith firm based in Exeter/Bristol and London, established mid-19th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) as indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark.
Dimensions
Approximately 13-14 cm (5.5 inches) in length; weight typically ranges between 18 to 24 grams.
Description
An elegant example of Edwardian flatware, this teaspoon features the classic Fiddle pattern. Its simplicity highlights the quality of the London-assayed sterling silver, bearing the hallmarks of a noted manufacturer of the era.
Key Features
Clear and well-struck London hallmarks, Jackson & Chase maker's mark, and the iconic Fiddle pattern shoulders.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) as indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with no surface engraving or chasing; typical of the utilitarian and elegant aesthetic of the late Edwardian period.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The piece contains five hallmarks: Maker's mark 'GJ over DF' for Jackson & Chase; Lion Passant (.925); Leopard's Head (London); Date letter 'p' (1910); and a Duty Mark.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-finished with hand-burnishing, typical of early 20th-century industrial silver manufacturing.
Functional Features
Tapered bowl for stirring tea and measuring small quantities of sugar; reinforced shoulders for structural durability during use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle in the 'Fiddle' style, featuring a wide terminal for a comfortable thumb grip and aerodynamic profile.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The bowl is perfectly symmetrical, and the hallmark alignment shows careful attention during the assay process.
Authentication Indicators
The striking of the hallmarks is deep and consistent with 1910 London standards. The 'Lion Passant' is correctly oriented for the period.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, United Kingdom. Assayed at the London Assay Office as evidenced by the leopard's head mark.
Era & Period
Edwardian Period (1901-1910). The item reflects the tail end of the era with its 1910 date code, maintaining late Victorian design standards.
Age Estimate
Dated specifically to 1910 based on the London 'p' lowercase date letter.
Cultural Significance
Represents the formalization of tea culture in the United Kingdom, where specific silver tools were required for proper social etiquette.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Shows moderate surface scratches (patina) consistent with age and use; no visible stress fractures or solder repairs.
Value Estimate
$30.00 - $55.00 USD, largely dependent on the weight of the silver and the clarity of the hallmarks for collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap; use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's for periodic polishing. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Old English pattern spoons (lacks the shoulder), King's pattern (highly ornate shell decoration), and Hanoverian pattern (turned-up handle).
Interesting Facts
Josiah Williams & Co were one of the largest silver manufacturers in the West Country before relocating much of their administrative focus to London to compete in the national market.