British Victorian Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Teaspoon by Chawner & Co
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon) · Chawner & Co (George William Adams), London, highly renowned Victorian silversmiths specializing in flatware, operating through the mid-19th century.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern, a traditional and wildly popular classic British flatware design originating in the 18th century and widely produced throughout the Victorian era.
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon)
Maker
Chawner & Co (George William Adams), London, highly renowned Victorian silversmiths specializing in flatware, operating through the mid-19th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard British sterling composition governed by the London Assay Office.
Dimensions
Standard Victorian teaspoon size, approximately 13.5 to 14 cm in length, weighing roughly 15 to 25 grams.
Description
A fine example of mid-Victorian British flatware, this sterling silver teaspoon showcases the timeless Fiddle pattern by the esteemed firm Chawner & Co. The piece exhibits balanced proportions, a warm patina, and crisp, legible hallmarks stamped into the reverse of the stem.
Key Features
Crisp punch hallmarks of Chawner & Co (George William Adams), classic Victorian Fiddle silhouette, solid sterling silver construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), standard British sterling composition governed by the London Assay Office.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish with classic Fiddle thread or plain contours typical of the Victorian period; elegant understated handle styling.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear British sterling hallmarks visible including the sovereign's head duty mark, the lion passant (.925 purity), the London leopard's head assay office mark, a date letter (obscured/worn but identifiable through style), and the maker's mark 'GA' for George William Adams of Chawner & Co.
Construction Details
Die-struck and hand-finished, standard manufacturing method for 19th-century British flatware ensuring strength and durability.
Functional Features
Standard teaspoon bowl designed for stirring tea and sugar, ergonomic handle contour.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver Fiddle pattern handle with characteristic widening at the terminal and shoulder drops.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality Victorian die-stamping with precise hand-filing at the edges and a well-struck set of hallmarks.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British hallmark punch sequence featuring the maker's mark, lion passant, leopard's head, and duty mark, showing natural wear depth consistent with a 19th-century piece.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England, manufactured by one of the premier British flatware workshops of the period.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901), indicated by the monarch's head duty mark and the specific maker's mark typography.
Age Estimate
Circa mid-19th century (1840-1880), based on the Chawner & Co maker's mark and active hallmark punch styles.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal ritual of Victorian afternoon tea and the height of British silversmithing dominance in domestic household goods.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition with minor surface micro-scratches consistent with age and gentle polishing; bowl remains clean and structurally sound.
Value Estimate
25 to 50 USD, depending on exact date letter rarity, condition, and whether it is part of a larger matched set.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild dish soap and warm water, dry immediately with a soft cloth. Polish occasionally with a reputable silver cream like Wright's.
Similar Pieces
Fiddle pattern teaspoons by contemporary makers such as William Eaton or Hollander & Son.
Interesting Facts
Chawner & Co was the largest specialized maker of silver spoons and forks in Victorian London, supplying many high-end retailers.