Twambley & Cleaves Fiddle Pattern Coin Silver Spoon
Flatware (Spoon) · Twambley & Cleaves. This was a partnership between Samuel Twambley and Robert Cleaves, silversmiths active in Saco and Biddeford, Maine. They are recognized for high-quality New England regional silver production during the mid-19th century.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern. This is a classic, utilitarian pattern featuring a handle that flares out into a shape resembling the body of a violin or fiddle. It was the most popular American pattern of the mid-1800s.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
Twambley & Cleaves. This was a partnership between Samuel Twambley and Robert Cleaves, silversmiths active in Saco and Biddeford, Maine. They are recognized for high-quality New England regional silver production during the mid-19th century.
Material
Coin Silver (.900 purity). This was the American standard before Sterling became widespread post-1860. It was created by melting down silver coins (which were 90% silver) and alloying them with 10% copper.
Dimensions
Estimated length 15-21cm (6-8 inches) depending on if it is a teaspoon or tablespoon; typically weighs between 25-50 grams. The handle width and neck taper suggest a standard table or dessert spoon proportion.
Description
An authentic example of 19th-century Maine coin silver flatware. This spoon exhibits the clean lines and understated elegance preferred by New Englanders during the mid-1800s. The 'Fiddle' handle is a hallmark of American domestic life, representing a transition from hand-crafted artisan goods to the standardized patterns of the industrial age. The maker's mark remains crisp and legible, indicating light use.
Key Features
Rare regional maker's mark 'TWAMBLEY & CLEAVES'; Fiddle pattern handle silhouette; Coin silver composition (implied by age and maker); Hand-finished edges.
Material & Composition
Coin Silver (.900 purity). This was the American standard before Sterling became widespread post-1860. It was created by melting down silver coins (which were 90% silver) and alloying them with 10% copper.
Finish & Decoration
Plain, satin/unpolished finish with a slightly rounded fiddle-shaped handle. No ornate repoussé or engraving is visible in the stamp area, following the austere Federal and early Victorian aesthetic of New England smiths.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped "TWAMBLEY & CLEAVES." in a rectangular incuse block. The lettering is serif-style. Note the lack of a 'Sterling' or 'Lion Passant' mark, which is consistent with American coin silver from this pre-civil war era.
Construction Details
Hand-forged or die-struck from a single ingot of coin silver. The swelling at the shoulder and the drop at the bowl (just visible) indicate traditional 19th-century American manufacturing where the piece was hammered to achieve the desired thickness and temper.
Functional Features
Tapered handle for grip, classic oval bowl (implied), and a robust neck to prevent bending under pressure during use. Designed for daily dining utility.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle in the Fiddle silhouette. The handle features a slight 'upturn' or 'downturn' characteristic of the era and is integrated directly into the bowl with a single-piece construction.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent mid-century forge work. The uniformity of the handle thickness and the clarity of the maker's stamp suggest a high level of professional skill in a small-shop environment.
Authentication Indicators
The incuse stamp is consistent with 1850s marking techniques. The 'ghosting' around the letters indicates it was struck into the metal rather than cast. The wear pattern of the metal and the soft luster are typical of .900 silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States; Saco/Biddeford, Maine. Manufactured in a regional workshop characteristic of the New England silversmithing trade before the rise of industrial giants like Gorham.
Era & Period
Middle Victorian / Late Federal transition (American Coin Silver Period, c. 1845-1860). The 'Fiddle' style and 'Twambley & Cleaves' partnership specifically align with the 1850s Maine silversmithing tradition.
Age Estimate
Circa 1848-1855. The partnership of Twambley & Cleaves is well-documented in Maine business directories during this specific window of the mid-19th century.
Cultural Significance
Coin silver represents the early American economy's recycling of currency into household wealth. Owning a set of silver from a local smith like Twambley & Cleaves was a significant status symbol for a middle-class family in 1850s Maine.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. There is visible surface oxidation and light scratching consistent with age. The stamp is well-preserved. There are no signs of 'pitting' or heavy thinning on the handle edges.
Value Estimate
$40 - $85 USD. Value is driven by the regional interest in Maine silversmiths rather than just the silver weight. Collectibility of the maker's mark is the primary value factor.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cloth. Do not use dip cleaners as they can strip the patina from the stamp. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Fiddle pattern spoons by Farrington & Hunnewell (Boston) or Palmer & Batchelder. These are often heavier or may have 'pseudo-hallmarks' compared to the simple name-stamp of Twambley & Cleaves.
Interesting Facts
Samuel Twambley was a prominent Maine jeweler and silversmith; his work is often found in the collections of historical societies in New England. Pieces from regional makers like Twambley & Cleaves are highly sought after by 'local' collectors specializing in Maine history.