British Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Teaspoon with Maker Marks
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon) · British provincial or London silversmith with initials JTM
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon)
Maker
British provincial or London silversmith with initials JTM
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon dimensions, roughly 13.5 to 14.5 cm in length, weighing approximately 15 to 25 grams
Description
An elegant antique British sterling silver teaspoon executed in the timeless Fiddle pattern. The reverse of the terminal clearly displays a complete series of crisp British hallmarks including the sovereign's head duty mark, the lion passant, the London assay leopard's head, the date letter, and the silversmith's stamp JTM. The piece exhibits a warm vintage patina with minor surface scratches consistent with age and gentle use.
Key Features
Complete and legible set of British sterling silver hallmarks, classic Fiddle pattern silhouette, solid silver construction
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Finish & Decoration
Plain polished surface in the classic Fiddle pattern design without additional engraving
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear British hallmarks showing a duty mark head, a lion passant (.925 sterling standard), a crowned leopard's head (London assay office), a date letter 'Q', and maker's initials JTM
Construction Details
Die-struck and hand-finished traditional British flatware manufacturing technique
Functional Features
Individual serving spoon intended for tea or coffee service
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver Fiddle pattern handle with a flattened terminal and slight shoulder ridge
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality 19th-century British silversmithing with cleanly struck punches and smooth hand-finished edges
Authentication Indicators
Well-struck standard British hallmarks with appropriate punches for the lion passant, assay office, duty mark, and date letter
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (London Assay Office)
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901) based on standard hallmark configurations
Age Estimate
Late 19th century, circa 1851 based on the date letter Q style
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal dining and tea-drinking customs of Victorian Britain, where matching or harmonious flatware was a hallmark of middle and upper-class domestic life
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition with moderate surface wear, minor scratches, and natural tarnish consistent with age; structural integrity remains solid without bends or thinning
Value Estimate
Estimated market value between $20 and $50 USD depending on exact weight, precise date verification, and collector demand
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, polish periodically with professional silver cream using straight strokes, and store in an anti-tarnish cloth or bag
Similar Pieces
Nineteenth-century British Fiddle and Thread or Old English pattern teaspoons by contemporary makers such as Chawner & Co or Elizabeth Eaton
Interesting Facts
The Fiddle pattern became the dominant flatware design in Great Britain during the 19th century, evolving from earlier Old English patterns to provide a more substantial grip and wider terminal surface ideal for crests or monograms