Daniel & Arter Silver-Plated Flatware Table Spoon
Flatware - Table Spoon · Daniel & Arter (D&A), a prominent Birmingham firm founded in the late 19th century by Thomas Daniel and Thomas Richard Arter. Known for high-quality silver plate and 'Nevada Silver' alloys.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern (Classic Traditional), introduced early 19th century, remaining a staple of British flatware design.
Type
Flatware - Table Spoon
Maker
Daniel & Arter (D&A), a prominent Birmingham firm founded in the late 19th century by Thomas Daniel and Thomas Richard Arter. Known for high-quality silver plate and 'Nevada Silver' alloys.
Material
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, subsequently electro-coated with a layer of fine silver.
Dimensions
Estimated length 18-21 cm (standard table spoon size); estimated weight 60-80 grams depending on core alloy density.
Description
A classic example of British commercial silver plate, this Daniel & Arter spoon exhibits the timeless Fiddle pattern. While not solid sterling, it represents the high-quality industrial craftsmanship that allowed the middle class to own elegant dining services during the British Empire's peak.
Key Features
D&A maker's mark within a decorative banner; Globe trademark; faux-Gothic date-style letters intended to mimic official sterling hallmarks at a glance.
Material & Composition
EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy, subsequently electro-coated with a layer of fine silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-to-mirror polish (heavily worn). The pattern is characterized by its simple 'fiddle' shape with distinctive shoulders near the base of the handle, typical of Georgian and Victorian utilitarian designs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'D&A' (Daniel & Arter) in a cartouche, followed by a series of pseudo-hallmarks including a globe (their trademark) and Gothic-style letters 'B', 'P', and 'S' used to denote 'British Plated Silver'.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a sheet of nickel silver, then polished and silver-plated via electrolysis. This is a mass-produced industrial piece from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Functional Features
Deep oval bowl for serving or soup consumption; the fiddle-shaped handle provides a wider surface area for a firm grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid one-piece construction. The fiddle handle features an upturned end typical of British designs from the mid-Victorian era through the early 20th century.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-pressed with hand-finished edges and plating. The hallmarks are struck with high precision, typical of reputable Birmingham factories.
Authentication Indicators
The 'D&A' mark and lack of a Lion Passant (British sterling mark) or Assay Office mark confirm this is silver-plated rather than solid silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced at the Globe Works, Highgate Street, utilizing mechanized factory production methods standard for the post-Industrial Revolution era.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian (c. 1880-1915). The 'D&A' mark and the style of pseudo-hallmarks are diagnostic of this period in Birmingham manufacturing.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1910 based on the specific Daniel & Arter 'Globe' trademark and the clarity of the Gothic-style pseudo-hallmarks.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in the 19th century, as electroplating technologies made refined dining aesthetics accessible to the general public.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition with significant surface scratching and 'bleeding' (where the base metal shows through the silver plate) on high points. Moderate tarnish in crevices.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD. Silver-plated individual pieces have low bullion value and are primarily valued as replacements for existing sets or for everyday vintage use.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid abrasive cleaners or 'silver dips' which can strip the thin layer of plating. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Old English pattern flatware (no shoulders), Gorham Fiddle (American variant with different proportions), or Christofle silver plate (French equivalent).
Interesting Facts
Daniel & Arter marketed many pieces as 'Nevada Silver' or 'Japanese Silver'—these were clever marketing names for high-quality nickel alloys that contained no actual silver but looked like the real thing.