Lee & Wigfull Fiddle Pattern Silver-Plated Tablespoon
Flatware (Spoon / Tablespoon) · Lee & Wigfull (John Wigfull). Established in Sheffield, England in 1871. This firm was a prolific manufacturer of high-quality electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) and sterling silver, earning a reputation for durable household flatware.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern. This is a classic 19th-century design characterized by a handle that widens toward the end like the body of a violin (fiddle). It was one of the most common and enduring patterns of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Type
Flatware (Spoon / Tablespoon)
Maker
Lee & Wigfull (John Wigfull). Established in Sheffield, England in 1871. This firm was a prolific manufacturer of high-quality electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) and sterling silver, earning a reputation for durable household flatware.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is nickel silver (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc), which is then electrolytically coated with a layer of pure silver. It contains no actual sterling silver content beyond the surface plating.
Dimensions
Estimated length of 8 to 8.5 inches (20-22 cm). Weight is approximately 60-75 grams. This size indicates a standard tablespoon or 'serving spoon' rather than a smaller teaspoon or dessert spoon.
Description
A classic example of British industrial flatware, this Lee & Wigfull tablespoon embodies the utility and understated elegance of the Fiddle pattern. Crafted in Sheffield, the piece features a sturdy nickel-silver core with a substantial electroplated silver coating. Its simple, unadorned surface highlights the clean lines of the fiddle silhouette, a design that transitioned from the hand-forged Georgian era into the machine-age Victorian household.
Key Features
The 'L & W' maker's mark, the characteristic 'shoulders' of the Fiddle pattern, and the deep oval bowl. The presence of 'EP' or similar plating marks distinguishes it from sterling silver.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base metal is nickel silver (an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc), which is then electrolytically coated with a layer of pure silver. It contains no actual sterling silver content beyond the surface plating.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with a plain, unadorned surface. The style is 'Old English Fiddle,' featuring the characteristic 'shoulders' just above the bowl and a rounded, spatulate handle end that turns upward or downward.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The reverse of the handle is stamped with 'L & W' (Lee & Wigfull), followed by 'SHEFFIELD ENGLAND.' It also features Pseudo-Hallmarks or quality marks typical of EPNS, often including letters like 'E' and 'P' or 'A1' (denoting the highest quality plate).
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or die-struck from a sheet of nickel silver and then electroplated. This was the standard industrial method for manufacturing durable flatware in Sheffield during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Functional Features
Large, oval-shaped bowl designed for serving portions of food or consuming soup. The fiddle-shaped handle provides a wider surface area for a more comfortable and secure grip.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid one-piece construction. The handle features the classic fiddle silhouette with small notches (shoulders) at the transition to the stem. The surface is smooth and intended for everyday utility.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The stamping is deep and legible, and the balance of the spoon is well-weighted. It shows the precision of Sheffield die-cutting at the turn of the century.
Authentication Indicators
The 'EPNS' or 'Sheffield England' stamp is a primary indicator that the piece is plated rather than solid silver. The L&W mark is historically documented for Lee & Wigfull's plated wares.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Sheffield was the global epicenter for silver-plating technology and mass-produced high-quality flatware during the Industrial Revolution.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian (c. 1880–1915). While the Fiddle pattern originated earlier in the 1800s, this specific maker's mark and the use of 'ENGLAND' suggest a late 19th-century production date.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890–1910. The marking 'Sheffield England' became more standardized after the Merchandise Marks Act of 1887, and the wear patterns suggest an object over 100 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represented the democratization of luxury; electroplated silver allowed the middle class to own 'silver' table services that looked like sterling but were affordable and durable enough for daily use throughout the British Empire.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. There is visible tarnish (sulfide deposits) and surface scratching consistent with age and use. Noticeable 'bleeding' (where the base metal shows through the silver) may occur on the high points of the handle or the bottom of the bowl due to frequent polishing.
Value Estimate
$5.00 – $15.00 USD. Silver-plated individual pieces have low intrinsic value but are collected for use in 'mismatched' vintage sets or for their historical Sheffield connection.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver polish like Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid abrasive cleaners or 'silver dips' which can strip the thin layer of plating. Store in a dry, felt-lined drawer to minimize tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with George III sterling silver fiddle spoons (which would have a Lion Passant hallmark) or 'Old English' pattern spoons (which lack the 'shoulders' on the stem).
Interesting Facts
Lee & Wigfull was known for providing flatware to hotels, steamships, and large Victorian households due to the durability of their electroplating process compared to earlier fused Sheffield plate.