Lee & Wigfull Silver Plated Hollowware, Pattern 0628
Hollowware (likely a teapot, cream pitcher, or sugar bowl) · Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield, England. Founded in 1871 by George Shadford Lee and Henry Wigfull, the firm was a prominent manufacturer of electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) and sterling silver, known for high-quality domestic hollowware and cutlery.
Pattern: Pattern Number 0628; typically a Neo-Gothic or Late Victorian engraved series. The pattern is discontinued.
Type
Hollowware (likely a teapot, cream pitcher, or sugar bowl)
Maker
Lee & Wigfull of Sheffield, England. Founded in 1871 by George Shadford Lee and Henry Wigfull, the firm was a prominent manufacturer of electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) and sterling silver, known for high-quality domestic hollowware and cutlery.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Dimensions
Estimated height 10-15cm (if a creamer) or 15-22cm (if a teapot). Weight is likely 300g to 600g depending on the specific vessel form.
Description
An elegant example of Sheffield electroplated hollowware from the turn of the century. This piece by Lee & Wigfull showcases the transition from heavy Victorian ornamentation to the more organic, textured surfaces of the Arts & Crafts movement. The hammered surface provides a wonderful play of light, masking the underlying industrial manufacturing process.
Key Features
The 'L & W LD' maker's mark and the pattern number '0628' are the primary identifiers. The presence of 'LD' is a crucial diagnostic for dating the item to post-1899.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver.
Finish & Decoration
The image shows a hammered or 'martelé' texture on the body, combined with a mirror polish. The style is late Victorian with Arts & Crafts influences, indicated by the hand-finished appearance of the surface ripples.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The marks include 'L & W LD' in Gothic-style shields, which stands for Lee & Wigfull Ltd. The number '0628' is the catalog/design number. Smaller marks to the right appear to be internal production icons rather than official assay hallmarks, which is typical for silver plate.
Construction Details
Spun or raised body with a machine-stamped hallmark. The hammered texture might be applied via a planishing hammer for a decorative finish to mimic hand-wrought craftsmanship.
Functional Features
Includes a robust handle attachment (partially visible). Often features insulated ivory or boxwood heat stops if the item is a teapot or coffee pot.
Handle & Grip Details
The visible portion of the handle appears to be a solid cast angular design, characteristic of the Late Victorian transition to Art Nouveau/Arts & Crafts.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The stamp is deeply and clearly struck, reflecting the standards of a top-tier Sheffield manufacturer.
Authentication Indicators
The stamping style is consistent with Lee & Wigfull's known silver-plate marking system. The absence of a lion passant or crown indicates it is plate and not solid sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Manufactured at the John Street Works, a center of excellence for the UK plating industry.
Era & Period
Late Victorian/Edwardian (circa 1895-1910). The 'Ltd' (LD) designation in the mark indicates production after the company's incorporation as a limited liability company in 1899.
Age Estimate
Circa 1899-1915. The 'LD' suffix and the hammered aesthetic are strong indicators of this specific date range.
Cultural Significance
A representation of the booming middle-class market in Edwardian England, where families sought high-quality silver-plated items to emulate the solid silver services of the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The silver plating appears thick with no 'bleeding' (base metal showing through). There is light surface tarnish and minor cleaning scratches consistent with age. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
US $40 - $120. Value is determined by the specific form (teapots and large trays are higher) and the condition of the plating.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver foam or cream like Wright's. Avoid over-polishing as it will eventually wear through the silver layer to the nickel base. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Similar designs by Dixon & Sons or Walker & Hall. The key difference lies in the specific Gothic font of the L&W mark and the specific pattern number system.
Interesting Facts
Lee & Wigfull items were often showcased at major industrial exhibitions in the late 19th century. They were particularly famous for their 'Stag's Head' logo, though it is not visible in this specific stamp.