British Sterling Silver Teaspoon by William Hutton & Sons
Flatware - Teaspoon · William Hutton & Sons, a prominent British manufacturing silversmith firm founded in Sheffield in 1800 by William Hutton and later expanded to London. Highly regarded for quality electroplate and sterling silver tableware.
Pattern: Plain or Treadle/Fiddle pattern variant, standard commercial production line without a named decorative pattern.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
William Hutton & Sons, a prominent British manufacturing silversmith firm founded in Sheffield in 1800 by William Hutton and later expanded to London. Highly regarded for quality electroplate and sterling silver tableware.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard British silver alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for durability.
Dimensions
Standard British sterling silver teaspoon dimensions, approximately 13 to 14 cm in length, weighing roughly 15 to 25 grams.
Description
An elegant and functional British sterling silver teaspoon produced by the renowned firm William Hutton & Sons. The piece features a classic tapered handle and a smooth, well-proportioned bowl. The clearly struck hallmarks on the reverse indicate Birmingham manufacture and solid .925 sterling silver purity, representing the reliable craftsmanship of the late Victorian era.
Key Features
Crisp, deeply struck British hallmarks including the Birmingham anchor and the 'WH&S' maker's mark, confirming legitimate sterling standard production.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard British silver alloy containing 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for durability.
Finish & Decoration
High mirror polish finish on the handle stem with no added engraving, chasing, or surface ornamentation visible.
Hallmarks & Stamps
British sterling silver hallmarks including the maker's mark 'WH&S' (William Hutton & Sons), a lion passant denoting .925 sterling purity, an anchor assay office mark for Birmingham, and a date letter stamp.
Construction Details
Die-struck and cold-formed from a single sheet of sterling silver, finished with hand-polishing and clean edge trimming.
Functional Features
Standard dining utility designed for stirring hot beverages or consuming small desserts, featuring a classic tear-drop bowl and tapered handle.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle tapering smoothly toward the terminal, designed for comfortable ergonomic grip.
Craftsmanship Details
High commercial-grade Victorian craftsmanship utilizing precise die-stamping combined with traditional hand-polishing and finishing techniques.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British hallmark sequence showing correct punch depth, standard maker initials, lion passant purity mark, and assay office symbol, matching known manufacturing practices of the period.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Birmingham, England, by William Hutton & Sons, adhering to traditional British assay office standards.
Era & Period
Late Victorian or Edwardian Period (c. late 19th to early 20th century), indicated by the punch style and Birmingham assay marks.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1910, estimated based on the format of the maker's punch and surrounding Birmingham assay marks.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal tea-drinking culture of Victorian and Edwardian Britain, where high-quality sterling silver flatware was a staple of middle and upper-class households.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition with minor surface hairline scratches consistent with careful use, age-appropriate polishing wear, and a stable structural form with no significant dents or repairs.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $25 and $60 USD depending on individual collector demand, weight, and overall condition.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm water and mild dish soap, dry immediately with a soft microfiber cloth, and polish periodically with a reputable silver cream like Wright's. Store in an anti-tarnish cloth or pouch.
Similar Pieces
Contemporary British teaspoons from makers such as Mappin & Webb or Elkington & Co., differing primarily in maker's mark and subtle handle profile variations.
Interesting Facts
William Hutton & Sons became one of the largest silversmithing operations in Sheffield and London during the Victorian era, eventually absorbing several smaller cutlers and silversmiths.