British Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Table Spoon or Fork Stem
Flatware (Spoon or Fork stem back) · Indeterminate British Silversmith due to focus and surface wear; features standard British assay marks.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern or Plain Flatware stem
Type
Flatware (Spoon or Fork stem back)
Maker
Indeterminate British Silversmith due to focus and surface wear; features standard British assay marks.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Dimensions
Standard dining size stem, estimated width 1.5–2.5 cm at widest point, weight approx. 40–70g depending on piece type.
Description
A classic British sterling silver flatware piece shown from the reverse side of the handle stem, displaying a prominent vertical row of official silver hallmarks stamped near the neck.
Key Features
Linear hallmark sequence stamped on the reverse side of the stem, wide flat stem construction.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Finish & Decoration
Plain silver surface, heavily tarnished with matte oxidation and micro-scratching from use.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A sequence of stamped punches along the back of the stem including Maker's Mark, Lion Passant (sterling silver mark), Assay Office mark, and Date Letter.
Construction Details
Forged or die-struck solid silver piece, typical 19th or early 20th century production.
Functional Features
Flatware handle stem designed for balanced ergonomic grip during dining.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle stem with flared terminal.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck and hand-finished solid silver construction with clearly impressed assay punches.
Authentication Indicators
Clear sequence of struck hallmarks in rectangular reserves, typical for British solid sterling silver flatware.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (likely London, Birmingham, or Sheffield assay office)
Era & Period
19th Century to Early 20th Century British (Victorian or Edwardian Era)
Age Estimate
Circa 1840–1920 based on hallmark format and stem shape
Cultural Significance
Represents traditional British silversmithing and formal dining etiquette of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good; significant surface tarnish, light scratching, image focus is softened but structural integrity appears intact.
Value Estimate
$30 - $70 USD (primarily driven by silver melt value and weight, higher if by a highly collected silversmith)
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with a mild silver cream or polish using a soft cotton cloth; store in an anti-tarnish cloth pouch.
Similar Pieces
Victorian Fiddle pattern spoons or forks by makers such as Chawner & Co., Samuel Hayne & Dudley Cater, or Josiah Williams & Co.
Interesting Facts
British hallmarking is one of the oldest forms of consumer protection, dating back to 1300, allowing precise dating and identification of maker and assay location.