Daniel Pontifex Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Teaspoon
Flatware - Teaspoon or Dessert Spoon · Daniel Pontifex, a notable London silversmith active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Pontifex was highly regarded for producing well-made flatware and hollowware during the Georgian period.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern (London Variant), introduced in the late 18th century and remains a staple of traditional British silverware.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon or Dessert Spoon
Maker
Daniel Pontifex, a notable London silversmith active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Pontifex was highly regarded for producing well-made flatware and hollowware during the Georgian period.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), solid composition throughout without base metal cores.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon/dessert spoon length approximately 13-15 cm; estimated weight 20-35 grams depending on thickness.
Description
This elegant sterling silver spoon by Daniel Pontifex represents the peak of functional Georgian design. The Fiddle pattern is renowned for its durability and timeless appeal. The hallmarks are deeply struck on the reverse of the handle, showing the distinct 'D.P' of a maker known for his contributions to premium London table services.
Key Features
Distinctive 'D.P' maker's mark, notched shoulders characteristic of the Fiddle pattern, and clear London assay office marks.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), solid composition throughout without base metal cores.
Finish & Decoration
Polished smooth finish with a classic 'Fiddle' shape, characterized by the notched shoulders and a stem that widens into a flattened handle. Minimalist Georgian aesthetic focuses on silhouette rather than ornate chasing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The piece bears four distinct marks: 1. Maker's mark 'D.P' for Daniel Pontifex (identifiable by the oval/curved punch). 2. Lion Passant (British sterling purity mark). 3. Leopard's Head (Assay office for London). 4. Date Letter (appears to be a lowercase letter from the early 19th-century cycles).
Construction Details
Hand-forged and die-struck. The spoon bowl would be hand-raised from a silver blank, with the handle die-stamped for the Fiddle silhouette and hallmarked individually.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowl for efficient scooping; ergonomic flattened handle 'fiddle' portion for steady grip during tea service.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle integrated with the neck and bowl, featuring classic Georgian notched shoulders and a spatulate end.
Craftsmanship Details
High quality hand-finishing; the transition from the bowl to the neck is seamless, displaying the skill required in traditional English silversmithing.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the Lion Passant, Leopard's Head, and Maker's mark are consistent with established London practices. The wear pattern suggests honest historical usage rather than modern reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Manufactured in a specialized silversmith workshop adhering to the strict standards of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.
Era & Period
Late Georgian / Regency Period (1790-1820). The Fiddle pattern became the dominant style during this time, moving away from the earlier Old English pattern.
Age Estimate
Circa 1794-1820. The specific maker's mark and the style of the leopard's head (crowned vs. uncrowned) suggest this Regency window.
Cultural Significance
Represents the rise of the British middle class in the 1800s, where standardized patterns like Fiddle allowed for the expansion of silver services for broader social use beyond the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition. Light surface scratches (patina) consistent with age and use. Hallmarks show slight softening but remain legible. No evidence of major repairs or bowl thinning.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD for a single teaspoon, depending on the specific date letter and collector interest in the maker Daniel Pontifex.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth to minimize oxidation.
Similar Pieces
William Eley or William Fearn Fiddle pattern spoons. These contemporaries produced near-identical forms, distinguishable only by the maker's initials.
Interesting Facts
Daniel Pontifex was part of a lineage of silversmiths; his pieces are often found in museums showcasing Regency era domestic life.