William Page & Co. Fiddle Pattern Silver Plate Spoon
Flatware (Spoon) · William Page & Co. (WP), Birmingham, England. Founded in the mid-19th century, they were prominent manufacturers of high-quality electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) flatware and hollowware.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern, a ubiquitous 19th-century design characterized by a handle shaped like a violin (fiddle) with distinct shoulders near the bowl/fork tines.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
William Page & Co. (WP), Birmingham, England. Founded in the mid-19th century, they were prominent manufacturers of high-quality electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) flatware and hollowware.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy known as 'nickel silver', which is then coated in a thin layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Dimensions
Estimated 17–21 cm depending on whether it is a dessert or table spoon. Weight typically ranges from 45–70 grams. The tapered neck suggests a medium-sized serving or dining utensil.
Description
A classic example of British industrial flatware, this spoon features the iconic Fiddle pattern. Produced by William Page & Co., the piece exemplifies the transition from hand-wrought Georgian silver to high-quality machine-made Victorian electroplate, designed for durability in a busy household.
Key Features
Distinguished by the 'WP' maker's mark in a modified quatrefoil and the presence of pseudo-hallmarks designed to mimic the prestige of solid sterling silver hallmarks.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy known as 'nickel silver', which is then coated in a thin layer of pure silver via electroplating.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish silver finish on a plain, minimalist Fiddle pattern. This style is categorized as Early Victorian/Traditional, focusing on clean lines and utilitarian elegance rather than ornate chasing.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamps are pseudo-hallmarks typical of silver plate: 'WP' in a clover/cinquefoil for William Page; 'B' indicating the city of Birmingham; a sun/star symbol; and a diamond mark. Note: These are NOT official sterling hallmarks (no lion passant).
Construction Details
Die-struck from a sheet of nickel silver and then electroplated. This was a mass-production technique that allowed for high durability and consistent pattern application.
Functional Features
Tapered handle for ergonomic grip, reinforced shoulders (the notches above the stamps) for structural strength during use, and a deeply struck mark reservoir.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal handle (EPNS) in the Fiddle silhouette. Features a subtle 'pip' or rounded end on the reverse side to prevent slipping.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The stamps are crisply struck, and the polishing at the factory stage was of a high standard, evidenced by the smooth transition between the handle and neck.
Authentication Indicators
The 'WP' mark is a registered trade mark for William Page. The lack of a 'Lion Passant' (walking lion) or '925' mark confirms this is silver plate rather than solid sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in the 'Jewellery Quarter' or industrial heart of Birmingham, known for pioneering electroplating technologies.
Era & Period
Victorian / Late 19th Century. The Fiddle pattern was the standard for middle-class British households during the 1800s due to its sturdy construction and simple aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1880–1910. The specific maker's mark style for William Page & Co. and the 'B' stamp are consistent with late 19th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury during the Industrial Revolution, allowing the emerging middle class to own 'silver' table services previously reserved for the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Very Good. There is minor surface scratching ('buffing') consistent with use. Some dark tarnish is present within the recesses of the stamps (sulfide buildup), but the plating appears intact without 'bleeding' of the base metal.
Value Estimate
$5–$15 USD. Silver-plated individual pieces have low intrinsic metal value but remain popular for 'shabby chic' decor or completing vintage sets.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream such as Wright's. Avoid abrasive 'dip' cleaners which can strip the thin electroplated layer. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Similar Fiddle pattern pieces by makers like Elkington & Co. or Dixon & Sons. Elkington pieces often command a higher premium due to their invention of the electroplating process.
Interesting Facts
William Page & Co. often used 'pseudo-hallmarks'—symbols that looked like official assay marks from a distance—to appeal to consumers who wanted the look of expensive sterling silver at a fraction of the price.