Late Victorian Colonial-Style Tapered Sterling Silver Teaspoon
Flatware (Teaspoon) · Unknown American or British Silversmith (Attributed to Colonial Revival makers)
Pattern: Unidentified Minimalist/Tapered Pattern (Plain Pointed End Variant)
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
Unknown American or British Silversmith (Attributed to Colonial Revival makers)
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality silver plate; standard composition for late 19th-century flatware
Dimensions
Estimated Length: 5.5 to 6 inches (14-15 cm); Estimated Weight: 25-35 grams
Description
This piece is a classic representation of the Colonial Revival movement in flatware, emphasizing elegant simplicity and functional form. The spoon features a slender, unadorned handle that tapers gracefully toward a rounded terminal, paired with a proportionally deep ovoid bowl.
Key Features
Seamless neck-to-bowl transition, tapered handle shape, and absence of ornate repoussé work characteristic of the era
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-quality silver plate; standard composition for late 19th-century flatware
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with minimalist decoration; features a simple tapered handle with a rounded drop bowl transition
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks not visible in photo; would typically be found on the reverse of the handle (lion passant or 'Sterling' stamp)
Construction Details
Likely die-struck or drop-forged, a common industrial manufacturing method of the late 19th century
Functional Features
Ovoid bowl for liquids; narrow, reinforced neck for durability during stirring
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle, integral with bowl, featuring a flat, tapering profile and rounded tip
Craftsmanship Details
Uniform thickness suggest machine-aided production with manual finishing/buffing on the edges
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry of the bowl and the specific 'drop' where handle meets bowl are consistent with standard late 19th-century production
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely United States (Providence, RI or Meriden, CT hubs) or United Kingdom (Sheffield/Birmingham)
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Colonial Revival (circa 1880-1910)
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1910 based on the streamlined silhouette and bowl shape
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formalization of afternoon tea rituals and the increasing accessibility of silver to the middle class during the Industrial Revolution
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; significant surface tarnish and motion blur in image suggest micro-scratching (patina) and possible light dings
Value Estimate
$20.00 - $45.00 USD (based on scrap value plus collector premium for antique status)
Care & Maintenance
Gently hand-wash with mild detergent; polish with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) only when tarnish is heavy; store in a Pacific silver cloth roll
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. 'Salem' pattern or Gorham 'Old French'—both offer similar minimalist profiles but with distinct hallmark locations
Interesting Facts
The shift toward minimalist patterns like this was a reaction to the overly ornate Victorian 'clutter' style, signaling a move toward modernism