British Sterling Silver Teaspoon Set with Art Deco Shell Motifs
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon / Serving Piece) · Unknown British Silversmith (Marked with initials inside a diamond punch)
Pattern: Art Deco Fan/Shell Motif Pattern
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon / Serving Piece)
Maker
Unknown British Silversmith (Marked with initials inside a diamond punch)
Material
British Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon dimensions, approx. 12-14 cm in length, weight estimated around 15-25 grams per spoon.
Description
A fine pair of British sterling silver spoons featuring elegant teardrop handles that culminate in a stylized Art Deco fan or shell motif. The reverse displays a full set of crisp British hallmarks, attesting to their official sterling silver standard and origin. The proportions are balanced, reflecting the sleek, geometric aesthetic popular during the interwar period.
Key Features
Distinctive Art Deco fan/shell terminal design, complete and legible British hallmarks, solid sterling silver composition.
Material & Composition
British Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with a striking Art Deco fan or shell motif stamped at the terminal end, featuring geometric line accents characteristic of the period.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear British hallmark struck on the reverse handle comprising a duty mark (profile head), assay office mark (leopard's head for London), fineness mark (lion passant), date letter, and the maker's mark enclosed in a diamond shape.
Construction Details
Die-struck handles with hand-finished elements, standard for early-to-mid 20th-century British commercial silverware production.
Functional Features
Designed for stirring tea or serving condiments, featuring an ergonomic teardrop-shaped handle tapering smoothly toward the bowl.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver teardrop handle terminating in an applied or struck fan/shell decorative element, providing a comfortable grip.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-stamping with clean edges, sharp hallmark impressions, and a smooth, reflective polish demonstrating skilled British manufacturing standards.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic multi-strike British hallmarks showing standard leopard's head, lion passant, and maker's diamond punch with correct crispness and depth.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England, manufactured according to traditional British assay standards and hallmark regulations.
Era & Period
Art Deco Period (1920-1940) or late Edwardian, indicated by the geometric symmetry and stylized fan motifs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1935, based on the diagnostic Art Deco styling and hallmark letter style.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the elegance of British afternoon tea culture and the transition of domestic silver design toward modernism in the early 20th century.
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition with minor surface micro-scratches consistent with gentle use and polishing over time. No major dents, deep gouges, or structural repairs.
Value Estimate
Market value ranges between $40 to $90 USD depending on the exact maker and total weight, highly dependent on collector demand for Art Deco flatware.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild dish soap and warm water, dry immediately with a soft cloth. Polish occasionally with a reputable silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using linear motions. Store in an anti-tarnish cloth or bag.
Similar Pieces
Similar British teaspoons by makers like Mappin & Webb or Walker & Hall featuring Art Deco or shell motifs.
Interesting Facts
The inclusion of a stylized shell motif connects these modern Art Deco pieces to the classic Georgian shell patterns, demonstrating a revival of traditional themes in modern geometry.