British Sterling Silver Caddy Spoon with Maker's Mark RR
Flatware - Serving Piece (Caddy Spoon) · Unknown British silversmith with maker's mark RR, operating within the United Kingdom assay system.
Pattern: Plain or utilitarian pattern typical of Georgian and Victorian functional caddy spoons.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (Caddy Spoon)
Maker
Unknown British silversmith with maker's mark RR, operating within the United Kingdom assay system.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard British silver composition.
Dimensions
Standard caddy spoon size, approximately 3 to 4 inches in length, weighing an estimated 10 to 20 grams.
Description
An exquisite antique British sterling silver caddy spoon featuring a gracefully curved bowl and a sturdy handle stamped with a full set of clear hallmarks, including the maker's mark RR, the London leopard head, the lion passant, and the date letter d. A charming and collectible piece of functional antique silver.
Key Features
Crisp, legible set of British hallmarks including the London assay mark and maker's initials RR.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard British silver composition.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with minimal decoration, focusing on the curved form of the bowl and handle terminal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
British hallmarks clearly visible including the maker's mark 'RR', a lion passant (sterling purity), a crowned leopard's head (London assay office), and a date letter 'd' (likely indicating a specific year in the 19th century).
Construction Details
Traditional die-struck or hand-formed bowl with a soldered handle, typical of 19th-century British silver manufacturing.
Functional Features
Designed specifically for scooping loose tea leaves from a tea caddy into a teapot.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle, integral to or securely attached to the bowl, featuring a slightly upturned or rounded terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
Good quality 19th-century British silversmithing with cleanly struck hallmarks and a well-formed functional scoop.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British hallmark punch marks with correct depth, border shapes, and standard symbols (lion passant, leopard's head, date letter, maker mark).
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England, manufactured according to British hallmarking standards and assay regulations.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901) or late Georgian period, indicated by the specific style of the date letter and assay marks.
Age Estimate
Mid to late 19th century, circa 1850-1880, based on the font and shield style of the assay and date marks.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the high status of tea-drinking culture in 19th-century Britain, where tea was stored securely in locked caddies.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition with minor surface scratches consistent with age and gentle use, clear and unrubbed hallmarks.
Value Estimate
$100 - $300 USD, depending on collector demand, exact date, and maker attribution.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap and warm water, dry immediately with a soft cloth, and polish occasionally with a gentle silver cream like Wright's Silver Cream.
Similar Pieces
Other Victorian British caddy spoons by makers such as Nathaniel Mills or George Unite.
Interesting Facts
Caddy spoons became highly collectible due to the vast array of creative designs produced by 19th-century silversmiths to serve expensive imported tea.