Victorian Birmingham Sterling Silver Globular Creamer with Hoof Feet
Hollowware (Creamer) · The maker's mark is partially rubbed but features a prominent 'L' followed by likely 'M' or 'W', suggesting a Birmingham-based silversmithing firm from the late 19th century, possibly Lawrence & Co or similar high-volume Victorian producers.
Pattern: Traditional Early Victorian Globular Style; non-patterned with plain polished body and applied cast feet.
Type
Hollowware (Creamer)
Maker
The maker's mark is partially rubbed but features a prominent 'L' followed by likely 'M' or 'W', suggesting a Birmingham-based silversmithing firm from the late 19th century, possibly Lawrence & Co or similar high-volume Victorian producers.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) as indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark. Solid construction throughout with cast silver legs.
Dimensions
Estimated height of 3-4 inches; weight approximately 80-120 grams (2.5-3.8 troy oz) based on standard Victorian creamer proportions.
Description
An elegant example of late 19th-century British domestic silver, this creamer features a globular, compressed body that sits atop three delicately cast hoof-shaped feet. The minimalist decoration emphasizes the quality of the sterling silver surface, which currently shows a deep, authentic patina. Pieces like this were staples of the Victorian tea service, prized for their balance of utility and classic aesthetic appeal.
Key Features
Identification relies on the clear Birmingham assay marks, the inventory number used for stock tracking by large firms, and the specific trifid foot attachment points visible on the base.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) as indicated by the Lion Passant hallmark. Solid construction throughout with cast silver legs.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with heavy natural oxidation (tarnish). The piece features a plain body with three applied cast hoof-style or trifid feet, reflecting a revival of early 18th-century design during the Victorian era.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Comprehensive British Hallmarks: Anchor (Birmingham Assay Office), Lion Passant (English Sterling Standard), and Date Letter 'f' or 'p' in a shield (correlating to the late 19th century, likely 1880 or 1889). Numeric stamp '6217' indicates a pattern or inventory number.
Construction Details
The main body is raised or spun; the trifid/hoof feet are cast separately and hand-soldered to the base. The handle is likely hollow or solid cast and joined with silver solder.
Functional Features
Single pouring spout, three-point stable base for tabletop use, and a single loop handle for controlled pouring.
Handle & Grip Details
Silver handle with a slight thumb-rest or spur, typical of mid-to-late Victorian creamer designs to improve ergonomic balance.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent factory-coordinated craftsmanship. The soldering of the feet is precise with no 'flooding' of the joint, indicating a skilled silversmith within a production-line environment.
Authentication Indicators
Genuine British hallmarks with appropriate spacing; the Lion Passant shows the correct profile for the era. The '6217' stamp is consistent with industrial record-keeping of late-Victorian workshops.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Known as the 'City of a Thousand Trades,' Birmingham was the world leader in silver manufacturing during this period.
Era & Period
Late Victorian (c. 1880-1900). Stylistic indicators include the eclectic revival of Queen Anne-style feet on a rounder Victorian form and the specific hallmark shapes used post-1850.
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1890 based on the Birmingham date letter and the style of the pattern number '6217'.
Cultural Significance
Represents the growth of the middle-class tea culture in Britain, where sterling silver was an essential status symbol and a portable form of family wealth.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good antique condition. Heavy tarnish (sulfide deposits) is present, particularly around the feet joints. No major dents are visible, though the surface shows micro-scratches consistent with cleaning and use. The feet appear stable with no evidence of crude re-soldering.
Value Estimate
$150 - $250 USD, depending on the clarity of the maker's mark and the total weight in grams.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a gentle hand polish with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) to remove heavy tarnish. Avoid 'dip' cleaners which can damage the character of the hallmarks and the joins of the cast feet. Store in acid-free tissue or a silver cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with George II or III originals (1740-1780) which have similar feet but different hallmark shapes and larger, hand-hammered irregularities. Competitor pieces include Sheffield-made creamers by makers like Walker & Hall.
Interesting Facts
Birmingham's Assay Office, established in 1773, used the anchor symbol because the founders of the Birmingham and Sheffield offices met at the Crown and Anchor tavern in London and tossed a coin for their respective symbols.