Sir John Bennett Ltd Sterling Silver Hanoverian Pattern Teaspoon, London 1923
Flatware (Teaspoon) · Sir John Bennett Ltd. Founded by Sir John Bennett (1814–1897) in London. Originally famed as a high-end watchmaker and jeweler to the Royal Family, the firm also retailed premium silver flatware of exceptional quality.
Pattern: Hanoverian Pattern. Introduced in the early 18th century (c. 1710), it is characterized by a plain, rounded terminal that turns up at the end with a distinct central rib on the front of the handle.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
Sir John Bennett Ltd. Founded by Sir John Bennett (1814–1897) in London. Originally famed as a high-end watchmaker and jeweler to the Royal Family, the firm also retailed premium silver flatware of exceptional quality.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition with no base metals; the item is entirely silver as indicated by the Lion Passant mark.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length, approximately 4.5 to 5.25 inches (11-13 cm). Estimated weight is 18-24 grams per spoon. Part of a set of 6 visible in the presentation case.
Description
A classic example of British silversmithing, this teaspoon by the prestigious Sir John Bennett Ltd features the iconic Hanoverian pattern. The deep striking of the hallmarks on the reverse of the bowl serves not only as proof of quality but as a decorative element in its own right. The piece exhibits the heavy gauge and substantial feel associated with better 20th-century London silver.
Key Features
Crisp, deep-set 'SIR J B LTD' maker's mark; characteristic central rib on the handle; London Leopard's head mark; and the presence of the original red satin-lined presentation case.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition with no base metals; the item is entirely silver as indicated by the Lion Passant mark.
Finish & Decoration
High mirror polish with no surface engraving or chasing. The design is 'Plain,' emphasizing the silhouette and the quality of the gauge. This minimalist style is consistent with the Neoclassical revival of the early 20th century.
Hallmarks & Stamps
London Hallmarks: 1) Maker's Mark 'SIR J B LTD' for Sir John Bennett Ltd. 2) Date Letter 'h' in a shield (London 1923). 3) Leopard's Head for the London Assay Office. 4) Lion Passant indicating Sterling Silver (.925).
Construction Details
Die-struck from heavy gauge silver sheet. The bowl and handle are single-piece construction. Typical of high-end 1920s manufacturing which combined machine precision with hand-finishing and polishing.
Functional Features
Single oval bowl designed for stirring tea or coffee and consuming small desserts. The upturned terminal allows the piece to rest comfortably in the hand.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle in the Hanoverian style. The terminal turns upward toward the user. No non-silver components or inserts.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-work. The edges of the bowl are smooth and well-rounded, and the hallmark alignment shows careful attention by the silversmith. The gauge of silver is thicker than standard commercial flatware of the era.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmarks are perfectly aligned and struck with appropriate depth for 1923. The 'h' date letter matches the font style for the London 1923 assay cycle. Significant wear is absent, indicating it was likely a presentation set kept for special occasions.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Hallmarked at the London Assay Office. The piece represents the high-standard manufacturing of the City of London's jewelry quarter.
Era & Period
Interwar Period / George V Era. The design is a 'Georgian Revival' style, very popular in England during the 1920s for its timeless and understated elegance.
Age Estimate
Dated exactly to 1923 based on the specific 'h' date letter and the SIR J B LTD maker's mark used during that period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the British 'Afternoon Tea' tradition of the early 20th century. Such sets were common wedding or christening gifts among the professional classes, symbolizing domestic stability and social standing.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. Light surface scratches (patina) consistent with age. No evidence of 'clipping,' bowl thinning, or handle fatigue. Hallmarks are extremely clear and not rubbed from over-polishing.
Value Estimate
Individual spoons: $30—$50. As a cased set of 6: $250—$350. Value is driven by the London hallmark and the prestige of the Sir John Bennett name.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cloth. Store in the provided tarnish-resistant case or a Pacific Silvercloth roll. Avoid the dishwasher, as high heat and detergents can pit the silver surface.
Similar Pieces
Similar to Gorham's Old English or Tiffany's Flemish patterns, though the British Hanoverian is distinct for its specific 'up-turned' terminal rib which differs from the American 'down-turned' variations.
Interesting Facts
Sir John Bennett, the founder, was a colorful figure in London's history, serving as Sheriff of London and being knighted by Queen Victoria. His shop at 65 Cheapside was famous for its mechanical clock with figures of Gog and Magog.