Edwardian Sterling Silver Rat-Tail Teaspoon Set by Sebastian Garrard
Flatware (Cased Teaspoon Set) · Sebastian Henry Garrard for Garrard & Co. Ltd. Garrard was the Crown Jeweller in London, established in 1735, known for exceptional royal commissions and high-prestige silver.
Pattern: Old English Rat-Tail Pattern. This is a revival of the late 17th-century Queen Anne style, featuring a literal 'tail' extending from the handle onto the back of the bowl.
Type
Flatware (Cased Teaspoon Set)
Maker
Sebastian Henry Garrard for Garrard & Co. Ltd. Garrard was the Crown Jeweller in London, established in 1735, known for exceptional royal commissions and high-prestige silver.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout with no weighted components. Total estimated weight for six spoons is approximately 90-110 grams.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size: approximately 4.5 to 5 inches (11-13 cm) in length. Weight per spoon is roughly 15-18 grams.
Description
A refined set of six sterling silver teaspoons presented in their original silk and velvet-lined fitted case. Executed by the Crown Jeweller, these spoons represent the Edwardian taste for historical revivalism, specifically looking back to the clean lines of the early 1700s. The set demonstrates the quiet elegance of British silver where the quality of the material and the reputation of the maker are the primary focuses.
Key Features
The distinctive 'Rat-Tail' reinforcement on the bowl back, the 'SG' maker's mark of a Crown Jeweller, and the rare survival of the original presentation box.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout with no weighted components. Total estimated weight for six spoons is approximately 90-110 grams.
Finish & Decoration
High mirror polish (currently tarnished) with a minimalist aesthetic. The primary decoration is the functional 'Rat-Tail' rib on the reverse of the bowl and the 'Old English' rounded handle terminals.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Full London Hallmarks: Lion Passant (Sterling), Leopard's Head (London Assay), 'SG' maker's mark for Sebastian Garrard, and a lowercase Roman date letter. Marks are struck vertically on the lower stem.
Construction Details
Die-struck and hand-finished. The 'Rat-Tail' is a characteristic structural reinforcement feature common in early 18th-century designs, recreated here using early 20th-century precision machinery.
Functional Features
Tapered stems and deep egg-shaped bowls specifically designed for tea service; Rat-tail ribbing adds strength to the bowl-to-stem joint.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver Old English pattern handles; flat, rounded ends without monograms or crests, providing a balanced, ergonomic grip.
Craftsmanship Details
The precision of the hallmark strikes and the seamless transition of the rat-tail rib into the bowl indicate a high level of master craftsmanship typical of the London Garrard workshop.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep London hallmarks consistent with Sebastian Garrard's registration. The proportions and 'rat-tail' molding are characteristic of Garrard's high-quality revival pieces.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Manufactured in the Garrard & Co. workshops, synonymous with the highest tier of British silversmithing.
Era & Period
Edwardian Period (1901-1910). This period was characterized by a neoclassical revival and the 'Queen Anne' revival in silver design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1905-1915. The 'SG' mark was entered by Sebastian Garrard in 1903 following the death of James Garrard.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal British 'Tea Culture' of the early 20th century, where a matched set of silver by a prestigious maker was a staple of upper-middle-class dowries and social status.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good antique condition. Significant silver sulfide tarnish is present but will polish to a brilliant shine. Bowls appear even with no sharp 'chew' marks. Box shows external wear consistent with age.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is bolstered by the 'Garrard' maker's mark and the presence of the original fitted case, despite the tarnish.
Care & Maintenance
Gently polish with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cotton cloth. Avoid chemical dips which can strip the internal glow of the silver. Store in the provided case with an anti-tarnish strip.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Rat Tail' pattern or Georg Jensen 'Old Danish'. While similar in form, Garrard pieces carry higher 'sovereign' prestige due to the Royal Warrant.
Interesting Facts
Sebastian Garrard was the director of the firm when they held the title of Crown Jewellers, responsible for the maintenance of the British Crown Jewels and the creation of Mary's Crown in 1911.