Daniel & Arter 'Laurel' Pattern Silver Plate Tablespoon
Flatware - Table Spoon/Serving Spoon · Daniel & Arter (D&A), established by Thomas Henry Daniel and Thomas Richard Arter in Birmingham, England (c. 1880-1930s). They were prolific manufacturers of high-quality electroplated nickel silver and sterling.
Pattern: Laurel / Ribbon and Reed variant. Introduced c. 1900. It features a fluted handle with ribbon-tie or laurel-leaf cross-over accents.
Type
Flatware - Table Spoon/Serving Spoon
Maker
Daniel & Arter (D&A), established by Thomas Henry Daniel and Thomas Richard Arter in Birmingham, England (c. 1880-1930s). They were prolific manufacturers of high-quality electroplated nickel silver and sterling.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). A base of nickel, copper, and zinc alloy coated with a layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Dimensions
Standard tablespoon size, approximately 20-22 cm (8-8.5 inches) in length. Weight approximately 70-85 grams.
Description
This is a quintessential example of Edwardian table service by Daniel & Arter. The handle features a sophisticated fluted design interrupted by delicate ribbon-tie crosses, showcasing the elegance of British Neo-Classical revival. While not solid silver, D&A's 'AI' grade plate was renowned for its durability and 'sterling look,' making it a staple in middle-to-upper-class households of the era.
Key Features
The D&A shield mark and 'AI' stamp are diagnostic. The ribbon-and-reed fluting is a signature of this pattern line.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). A base of nickel, copper, and zinc alloy coated with a layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish finish with Neo-Classical 'Ribbon and Reed' linear borders. Features decorative X-shaped bands (ribbon ties) at intervals along the fluted stem.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'D&A' in a shield (Maker's mark), followed by a globe, a bird, and 'EP' (Electroplate). Below is the mark 'AI' which indicates the highest grade of plating thickness.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped/die-struck from sheet nickel silver and then electroplated in a silver bath. One-piece solid construction.
Functional Features
Large oval bowl intended for serving or consuming soup and vegetables. Rigid handle designed for heavy table use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle, spatulate end (Old English shape influence) with a gradual taper. Integrated fluting provides tactile grip.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The crispness of the 'X' ties on the handle indicates a well-maintained die and professional finishing.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep strikes of the D&A factory marks. Wear patterns are consistent with authentic 100-year-old table use rather than modern reproduction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in the Globe Nevill Street factory, one of the leading centers for British plate manufacturing.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Edwardian (c. 1895-1915). Reflects the revival of Neo-Classical styles popular during the transition from the 19th to 20th century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1910 based on the 'D&A' trademark style and the AI quality marking system used in that period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of 'luxury' dining in the early 20th century, allowing the emerging middle class to own formal dining sets that mimicked the solid sterling of the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible light surface scratches (swirls) consistent with polishing and age. Plate appears intact with no 'bleeding' of the base nickel (yellowish tint) visible in the photo.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. Value is based on utility and pattern matching for collectors; silver plate does not hold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only. Use a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive cleaners which will strip the electroplated silver layer over time, revealing the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Comparable to Elkington & Co. Ribbon and Reed patterns or Gorham's Neo-Classical lines. Elkington versions are typically heavier and more expensive due to brand prestige.
Interesting Facts
Daniel & Arter were famous for their 'Luton' and 'Nevill' brands of silver plate. They were one of the few large-scale manufacturers to successfully compete with the Sheffield giants during the Edwardian boom.