Late Georgian Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Teaspoon, London, 1836
Flatware - Teaspoon · Likely William Chawner II or similar London specialist spoon maker. The Chawner family dominated London flatware production in the early 19th century, known for exceptional durability and weight.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern. This is a design staple of the late 18th and 19th centuries, characterized by a spatulate handle end with distinct shoulders near the bowl.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
Likely William Chawner II or similar London specialist spoon maker. The Chawner family dominated London flatware production in the early 19th century, known for exceptional durability and weight.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). This is solid silver throughout, typical of British hallmark standards of the era.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length approximately 5.5 to 6 inches (14-15 cm). Typical weight for a Chawner-style fiddle teaspoon is approximately 18-25 grams (0.6-0.8 troy oz).
Description
An authentic example of British utility silver, this teaspoon represents the 'gold standard' of 19th-century flatware. The Fiddle pattern remains the most iconic silhouette in silver history, offering a timeless aesthetic that values substance and form over superficial ornament.
Key Features
Distinctive 'shoulders' at the base of the stem, crisp London hallmarks, and a heavy gauge of silver characteristic of pre-Victorian flatware.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). This is solid silver throughout, typical of British hallmark standards of the era.
Finish & Decoration
Original polished finish, now heavily tarnished (sulfide patina). This piece is undecorated (plain), which was the standard for daily-use flatware of the middle and upper classes.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Full British hallmarks for London: 1. Lion Passant (Sterling purity); 2. Leopard's Head (London Assay Office); 3. Date Letter 'u' (1835-1836); 4. Duty Mark (King William IV's head). The maker's mark is partially obscured or worn but precedes the purity mark.
Construction Details
Hand-forged/Drop-forged. The piece shows characteristic tapering of the neck and thick handle section common to high-quality London forging practices of the 1830s.
Functional Features
Tapered handle for grip, deep oval bowl (not fully visible), and sturdy 'shoulders' above the bowl to prevent bending during use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver fiddle-shaped handle. The profile is flat with slightly rounded edges, designed for ergonomic comfort in the Georgian era.
Craftsmanship Details
High quality. The thickness of the silver at the handle's end relative to the neck indicates a professional forge-and-hammer technique that ensures the spoon will not snap under pressure.
Authentication Indicators
The sequence of hallmarks is correct for the 1836 period. The depth of the 'u' stamp and the profile of the Leopard's Head are consistent with genuine London punches.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Produced in the heart of the British silver trade, likely in the Clerkenwell or Foster Lane districts.
Era & Period
Late Georgian / William IV Period (1830-1837). This was a transitional era between the elegance of George IV and the ornate heaviness of the Victorian period.
Age Estimate
Dated 1836. This is confirmed by the specific 'u' date letter and the presence of the William IV duty mark.
Cultural Significance
Fiddle pattern silver became the standard for the emerging British middle class during the Industrial Revolution, symbolizing domestic stability and refined social standing.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The piece shows heavy surface tarnish (blackening) and numerous fine scratches (pitting) consistent with long-term storage and use. The hallmarks are slightly rubbed but legible.
Value Estimate
$35 - $60 USD. Values for single spoons are primarily based on silver weight and maker prestige; William Chawner pieces command a slight premium among collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a thorough cleaning with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft sponge. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners for pieces this old. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Old English Pattern (lacks shoulders), King's Pattern (heavily decorated with shells), or American Coin Silver Fiddle spoons (which often lack the sophisticated hallmarking system).
Interesting Facts
The 'Duty Mark' (the king's head) was used to indicate that a tax had been paid to the crown for the silver. This tax was eventually abolished in 1890.