Atkin Brothers Sheffield Sterling Silver Hollowware (Ref. No. 5709)
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Dish, or Bowl based on the stamp orientation) · Atkin Brothers (Harry, Edward, and Frank Atkin). A renowned Sheffield manufacturing firm founded in 1853, specializing in silver and electroplate goods. They succeeded Henry Atkin and had a major presence in both Sheffield and London (Truro Works).
Pattern: Likely a bespoke or cataloged hollowware design, designated by factory pattern number 5709. Atkin Brothers produced extensive Victorian and Edwardian services known for classical elegance.
Type
Hollowware (likely a Tray, Dish, or Bowl based on the stamp orientation)
Maker
Atkin Brothers (Harry, Edward, and Frank Atkin). A renowned Sheffield manufacturing firm founded in 1853, specializing in silver and electroplate goods. They succeeded Henry Atkin and had a major presence in both Sheffield and London (Truro Works).
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The lion passant hallmark confirms it is solid sterling silver, not plate.
Dimensions
Dimensions unknown from image; however, pattern number 5709 is typically associated with mid-sized table service items. Weight would be significant given the solid sterling construction.
Description
A high-quality piece of British sterling silver by the Atkin Brothers. The hallmarks are exceptionally clear, stamped with deep, crisp punches that define Edwardian craftsmanship. The piece features the triple-maker mark of the Atkin partners, a signature of quality for one of Sheffield's most prolific and respected silver houses.
Key Features
Distinguished by the 'HA EB FE' maker's mark and the '5709' catalog number. The presence of the Sheffield Crown alongside the Lion Passant is a diagnostic trait of Northern English silver production.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The lion passant hallmark confirms it is solid sterling silver, not plate.
Finish & Decoration
Polished reflective surface. The visible area is plain, suggesting a smooth, mirror-polished finish typical of late Victorian or Edwardian utilitarian elegance, possibly with gadrooned or scalloped edges not fully visible in the macro shot.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The piece displays a full set of British hallmarks for Sheffield: Maker's Mark 'HA EB FE' (Harry Atkin, Edward Atkin, Frank Atkin) in a four-lobed shield; Crown (Sheffield assay town mark); Lion Passant (English sterling standard); and Date Letter 's' (lowercase Gothic/Old English style). Below these are the factory inventory/pattern numbers '71 5' and '5709'.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or die-struck base with hand-finishing. The crispness of the stamps suggests a flat or slightly curved surface that was struck before final assembly or on a finished heavy gauge sheet.
Functional Features
Features an inventory tracking system (71 5 / 5709) used by the manufacturer to manage large-scale production runs and cataloging for replacement orders.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This detail view shows the underside or interior base of the vessel, not the handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional mark striking. The clarity of the 's' date letter and the crown shows that the punch was fresh and the silver gauge was thick enough to resist deformation during stamping.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark consistency is excellent; the stamps are appropriately spaced and struck. The depth of the Lion Passant and Crown marks are consistent with Sheffield assay standards of 1910. The pattern number sequence is consistent with Atkin Brothers' record-keeping style.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Manufactured at the Truro Works, a famous industrial hub in the history of British silversmithing.
Era & Period
Late Victorian / Edwardian. The lowercase 's' date letter for Sheffield corresponds to the year 1910.
Age Estimate
1910. The Sheffield date letter 's' for this specific cycle and font style provides a definitive production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of Sheffield's industrial silver production, where traditional hallmarking met the efficiency of the industrial revolution to provide luxury goods to the expanding middle class.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The surface shows fine 'carry wear' (micro-scratches) consistent with age and regular polishing. No evidence of thinning or 'fire scale' from repairs is visible in the stamp area.
Value Estimate
$300 - $800 USD depending on the full form (e.g., if it is a large salver or a small bowl) and weight. The 1910 date and clear marks make it a desirable piece for collectors of Edwardian silver.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a high-quality non-abrasive cream like Wright's or Town Talk. Avoid dishwasher use at all costs, as the detergent will etch the silver surface.
Similar Pieces
Mappin & Webb or Walker & Hall hollowware of the same period (1900-1915). Atkin Brothers is often considered slightly more artisan in their larger trophies compared to the mass production of Walker & Hall.
Interesting Facts
The Atkin Brothers were so successful they maintained a London showroom at 11 Charterhouse Street in addition to their massive Sheffield factory, supplying high-end retailers like Harrods.