Elkington & Co. Fiddle Pattern Silver Plate Spoon
Flatware (Spoon) · Elkington & Co. of Birmingham, England. Founded by George and Henry Elkington in the 1830s, they were the pioneers of the commercial electroplating process and held Royal Warrants for many years.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern, a staple of British flatware design characterized by its violin-shaped handle end. Still widely available in secondary markets.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
Elkington & Co. of Birmingham, England. Founded by George and Henry Elkington in the 1830s, they were the pioneers of the commercial electroplating process and held Royal Warrants for many years.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a non-precious nickel-copper-zinc alloy coated with a thin layer of pure silver via electrolysis.
Dimensions
Estimated length 17-21 cm (6.7-8.2 inches) depending on if it is a dessert or table spoon. Weight approx. 50-70 grams.
Description
An elegant example of late 19th-century British industrial silvercraft. This Fiddle pattern spoon by Elkington & Co. represents the democratization of silver, allowing middle-class households to own flatware that looked and felt like solid sterling. The hallmarks are beautifully struck, meant to evoke a sense of tradition and high quality associated with the Elkington brand.
Key Features
Distinguished by the 'E&Co' crowned shield and the four Gothic-style cartouches. The fiddle shape is perfectly symmetrical with clean lines.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a non-precious nickel-copper-zinc alloy coated with a thin layer of pure silver via electrolysis.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with 'Fiddle' shoulders and a plain, unadorned handle stem. A classic, utilitarian Georgian-style design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Top mark: 'E&Co' in a shield under a crown (Elkington's trademark). Below: Gothic/Blackletter initials 'E', '&', 'C', 'o' in individual cartouches. These are 'pseudo-hallmarks' designed to mimic the appearance of solid silver assay marks.
Construction Details
Die-struck from sheet nickel silver and then electroplated. This is a machine-manufactured piece using industrial-era mass production techniques.
Functional Features
Rounded bowl and a shouldered handle for improved grip and leverage. Designed for daily dining durability.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid nickel silver core with electroplated finish. The handle is flat with distinct 'fiddle' ears near the stem/handle junction.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The strikes of the marks are deep and clean, and the edges are smooth, indicating superior die-quality compared to cheaper competitors.
Authentication Indicators
The 'E&Co' shield and Gothic cartouches are diagnostic for Elkington plate. Lack of a lion passant (sterling mark) confirms it is electroplate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England; manufactured at the Elkington & Co. Newhall Street works.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Edwardian (approx. 1890-1910). The specific style of the Elkington Gothic marks was used heavily during this period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900. Dating for Elkington plate is specific; however, the date letter is not clearly visible in this set of Gothic stamps.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift from hand-wrought luxury for the elite to high-quality mass manufacture, a hallmark of the Industrial Revolution in Birmingham.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible light surface scratches (swirling) consistent with regular use and polishing. No signs of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver).
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD. Primary value is utilitarian and historical rather than in precious metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Use a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could wear through the thin silver plating.
Similar Pieces
Sheffield plate (fused) spoons or sterling silver Fiddle patterns by makers like Chawner or Lias. These would have higher intrinsic value.
Interesting Facts
Elkington was so influential that they supplied the flatware for the RMS Titanic. They were the world's first company to license the electroplating patent.