British Sterling Silver Teaspoon by Walker & Hall
Flatware (Teaspoon) · Walker & Hall, a prominent Sheffield-based silversmith and manufacturer established in 1845, highly regarded for quality silver and electroplated wares.
Pattern: Standard plain or fiddle-edge variant, manufactured across various traditional lines.
Type
Flatware (Teaspoon)
Maker
Walker & Hall, a prominent Sheffield-based silversmith and manufacturer established in 1845, highly regarded for quality silver and electroplated wares.
Material
British Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size, approximately 13 to 15 cm in length with a proportional weight for solid British sterling flatware.
Description
A classic British sterling silver teaspoon featuring a smooth, polished bowl and a gently tapering handle stamped with legible traditional hallmarks and the Walker & Hall maker's mark near the terminal.
Key Features
Legible Sheffield hallmarks, solid sterling silver composition, and classic utility form by a renowned maker.
Material & Composition
British Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with minimal decorative elements, standard utilitarian design reflecting classic British domestic silverware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible British hallmarks including the maker's mark (W&H in a shield), the lion passant for sterling silver (.925), an assay office mark (such as the Sheffield crown), and a date letter stamp.
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-finished standard flatware construction, typical of late 19th to mid-20th-century commercial production.
Functional Features
Standard single-piece teaspoon designed for stirring tea and consuming small portions.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle, widening toward the terminal, offering a comfortable standard flatware grip.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial British factory craftsmanship utilizing die-stripping, hand-finishing, and crisp hallmark striking.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic stamped British hallmarks including the lion passant and maker cartouche confirm genuine sterling silver and origin.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England, produced by traditional British silversmithing manufacturing traditions.
Era & Period
Likely early 20th Century or late Victorian/Edwardian period, indicated by standard hallmark styling.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900 to 1930, determined by the visible hallmark sequence and maker mark format.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the quintessential British afternoon tea culture and the ubiquity of standardized high-quality domestic silver during the industrial era.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with minor surface scratches and moderate tarnish indicative of age and regular use; no structural cracks or major deformations.
Value Estimate
Estimated modest collector value between 20 to 50 USD, depending on exact silver weight and current precious metals market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish and a soft cloth; store in an anti-tarnish pouch or dry environment to minimize sulfide tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Standard Victorian and Edwardian sterling teaspoons by contemporary makers like Mappin & Webb or Elkington & Co.
Interesting Facts
Walker & Hall was one of the largest and most successful manufacturing silversmiths in Sheffield, holding multiple royal warrants.